Senate Resolution No. 718

BY: Senator KENNEDY

HONORING Maureen L. Fecio upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the 2017 Tara Award by
the Daughters of Erin

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made
significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and

WHEREAS, From time to time, this Legislative Body takes note of
certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their
valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Maureen L.
Fecio upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the 2017 Tara
Award by the Daughters of Erin to be celebrated at the 169th Annual
Friendly Sons of St. Patrick Dinner on Saturday, March 4, 2017, at the
Buffalo Irish Center; and

WHEREAS, The esteemed Tara Award is given annually to an individual
who promotes the Daughters of Erin, assists the Knights of Equity in
their endeavors, takes part in Catholic action, fosters Americanism, and
promotes Irish culture; and

WHEREAS, Born to Betty and the late Bill Leary, Maureen Fecio
attended St. Martin's Grammar School; she went on to earn both her
associate's degree and nursing degree, specializing in obstetrics;
shortly after graduation, she began her distinguished career as the
youngest Head Nurse at Mercy Hospital; and

WHEREAS, After 20 years, Maureen L. Fecio returned to school to
obtain her certification as a nurse practitioner in both women's health
and adult health; seeing a need in her community for better women's
services, she was essential in attaining the New York State Department
of Health grant to establish the OB/GYN Center at Mercy Hospital, and
subsequently, took on the role as the Center's Clinical Coordinator; and

WHEREAS, In this capacity, Maureen L. Fecio furthered her education
and obtained certification as a nationally recognized Childbirth
Educational Specialist, international board certified Lactation
Consultant, and a New York State certified HIV/AIDS Counselor; and

WHEREAS, For her dedication and professionalism, Maureen L. Fecio
has received numerous awards and accolades including Mount Mercy
Academy's first Catherine McAuley Distinguished Alumnae Award, Trocaire
College's Distinguished Alumni Award, the Mercy Hospital's CARE Award
and the Employee of the Year Award, and was named a South Buffalonian by
the South Buffalo News; and

WHEREAS, Throughout her career, Maureen L. Fecio has been a vital
and lifelong member of many organizations such as the Daughters of Erin,

the Ladies of Kincora, the GAAA and the Town of Tonawanda Irish American
Club; and

WHEREAS, Maureen L. Fecio has served as a member of the Board of
Directors of numerous organizations, such as McAuley House, Buffalo
Prenatal-Perinatal Task Force, Kenmore Mercy Women's Health and Trocaire
College Alumni; and

WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her loving husband, Jack
Fecio, their two children, Jennifer (Alex) McDougall and John
(Christina) Fecio III, as well as their two grandchildren, Maeve and
Madeline, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of her life and
rejoice in her achievements; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Maureen Fecio has displayed
throughout her life; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Maureen L. Fecio upon the occasion of her designation as recipient
of the 2017 Tara Award by the Daughters of Erin; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Maureen L. Fecio.