Senate Resolution No. 3387

BY: Senator KENNEDY

MOURNING the death of Ulrica A. Mesiah, noted
educator, enthusiastic volunteer, and dedicated
member of her community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to honor the life
and accomplishments of individuals whose enduring commitment and
dedication significantly enhanced the quality of education in their
community; and

WHEREAS, It is with great sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Ulrica A. Mesiah on Sunday,
December 17, 2017, at the age of 94; and

WHEREAS, Ulrica A. Mesiah's purposeful life and endeavors were
unerringly directed to teaching and advising not only the youth of her
community, but everyone she came in contact with; and

WHEREAS, Born on September 12, 1923, in Buffalo, New York, Ulrica A.
Mesiah, fondly known as Rica to her friends and family, was a student at
School 17 and attended Fosdick Masten High School; and

WHEREAS, After graduating, Rica A. Mesiah earned her bachelor's
degree in elementary education from Buffalo State Teachers College, and
her master's degree in education from the University at Buffalo; she
also received a graduate reading certificate from Canisius College; and

WHEREAS, For many years, Rica A. Mesiah served as a reading teacher
at several local schools including Buffalo Schools 44 and 66, Martin
Luther King School, and the former Diocesan Educational Campus; and

WHEREAS, Rica A. Mesiah truly believed in the positive reinforcement
her pupils received through extracurricular activities; she enjoyed
designing school newspapers with her students and loved to introduce
them to the music they would listen to at upcoming Kleinhans Music Hall
events; and

WHEREAS, When she was not teaching or helping someone, Rica A.
Mesiah was a vital and treasured member of her community; she was a
founding member of the Buffalonians, and was a participant of the
Buffalo Branch NAACP, Afro-American Historical Association, the Citizen
Council for Human Relations, Blooming Hills, and Women for Human Rights
and Dignity; and

WHEREAS, Rica A. Mesiah was proudly honored by the Buffalo Urban
League for her decades of service and steadfast and unremitting
commitment to her community; and

WHEREAS, Rica A. Mesiah is survived by her loving husband of 67
years, Frank M. Mesiah; her three daughters, Leza M., Nicolette F., and
Francesca B.; and one goddaughter, Betty Chern Hughes; as well as many
other relatives, friends and colleagues; and

WHEREAS, Over the course of her long and distinguished career, Rica
A. Mesiah touched the lives of thousands of young people, their
parents, and the communities she served; she leaves a legacy of learning
and commitment which will long endure throughout Buffalo and its
neighboring communities; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Ulrica A. Mesiah, recognizing her sincere dedication
and substantial contribution as an uncommon educator and advisor; and be
it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Ulrica A. Mesiah.