Senate Resolution No. 3530

BY: Senator PARKER

CONGRATULATING Vincilia Kirton upon the occasion
of celebrating her 103rd Birthday

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commemorate
and recognize certain milestones celebrated by citizens of this great
Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge
to the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their
past contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and
valuable asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Vincilia Kirton upon the occasion of her 103rd Birthday to
be celebrated on Monday, January 22, 2018; and

WHEREAS, Vincilia Kirton was born on January 22, 1915, in Castries
on the island of St. Lucia; and

WHEREAS, After her husband, Bertie Kirton migrated to New York City,
Vincilia Kirton and her children met him there in 1967; Vincilia worked
as a nurse's aide at the Jewish Hospital in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, a
position she held until the death of her beloved husband; and

WHEREAS, A vibrant and fun-loving woman, Vincilia Kirton is an
active member of both the Fort Green Albany Senior Center on Albany
Avenue and the FGS Teresa Moore Center in East New York on Linden
Boulevard in Brooklyn; she loves to play bingo and create arts and
crafts projects with her friends at the Centers; and

WHEREAS, An incredible mother to her children, and a mother-like
figure to all, Vincilia Kirton was nominated for Mother of the Year by
Carib News, and was named Mother of the Year by the Mother's Day group
of St. Lucia in New York; and

WHEREAS, Vincilia Kirton was also recognized as the Queen of the
Over 80s by the New York State Department of the Aged representing the
Pink Houses Senior Center which is now the FGS Teresa Moore Center; to
this day, she is jokingly and lovingly called the Queen by members of
the Center; and

WHEREAS, A faithful congregant of St. Gregory the Great Roman
Catholic Church, Vincilia Kirton was recognized as the oldest member
still attending services; as part of the Church's ministry, she
enthusiastically visits the Crown Heights Center Marcus Garvey Nursing
and Rehabilitation with her daughter on Sundays; and

WHEREAS, Vincilia Kirton has truly lived by example and attributes
her long and happy life to prayer and honoring her parents; and

WHEREAS, Vincilia Kirton is the loving wife of the late Bertie
Kirton, the devoted mother of the late Carol, and the cherished sister
of the late Camille Dyer and Annette James; and

WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her six children, Barbara,
Elsie, Keith, William, Peter and Christine; her eight grandchildren and
13 great-grandchildren, as well as her brother, Andre Arthur, all of
whom have shown her love and support and rejoice in her many
achievements; and

WHEREAS, Vincilia Kirton, with her zest for life, has inspired and
enhanced the lives of her family and friends; and

WHEREAS, This exceptional centenarian has experienced the incredible
joys and sorrows characteristic of and reserved for those with the
stamina and courage to savor a full life; and

WHEREAS, Vincilia Kirton has enriched the lives of those around her
through her joyous and sincere love for others and through the quiescent
charm and wisdom which comes only from a fullness of years; and

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly
recognize those who have reached such a remarkable age and who have
witnessed and celebrated the innovations, cultural developments and
awesome achievements of this country during the last century, while
themselves contributing to the growth and excellence of this great
Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Vincilia Kirton upon the occasion of celebrating her 103rd
Birthday; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Vincilia Kirton.