Senate Resolution No. 2818

BY: Senator METZGER

MOURNING the death of Jackie Horner, dance
professional, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of her community

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
those individuals of artistic significance whose creative talents have
contributed to the cultural enrichment of our communities and our
Nation; and

WHEREAS, With feelings of deepest regret, this Legislative Body
records the passing of one of New York State's cherished citizens,
Jackie Horner, legendary entertainer and longtime resident of the Town
of Liberty in Sullivan County; and

WHEREAS, Jackie Horner, who won the hearts of audiences and
entertainers worldwide with her dancing and ebullient personality, died
on Saturday, February 8, 2020, at the age of 87; and

WHEREAS, Born Elizabeth Horner to military man Jackson C. and Esther
Collins Horner on July 9, 1932, in Gallipolis, Ohio, she traveled to
Florida, and many naval bases throughout her childhood; and

WHEREAS, At the young age of three, Jackie Horner began dancing, and
was teaching ballet and tap at her aunt's dance studio by the age of 13;
upon graduating from high school three years later, she earned a spot
with the June Taylor Dancers, and appeared on television with numerous
celebrities; and

WHEREAS, After dancing her way across the United States, Canada,
South America, and Mexico, Jackie Horner came to the Catskills to do a
show at the Grossinger's Hotel in March of 1954; after a successful
performance, she was asked by management to stay and teach
ballroom/Latin dancing; and

WHEREAS, During these happy years, Jackie Horner met and married her
co-worker Lou Goldstein, and continued to train many dancers; in the
much loved 1987 film, "Dirty Dancing," the character of Frances "Baby"
Houseman was modelled after one of her young students; and

WHEREAS, Upon the closing of Grossinger's Hotel, Jackie Horner
continued to teach dance at numerous other Borscht Belt hotels into the
1990s, and most recently, she taught at the Villa Roma Resort and the
Fitness Center in Liberty; and

WHEREAS, Known for her warm personality, Jackie Horner was a
treasured and active part of her community, and would do anything for
anybody; she could often be found telling stories with her friends at
the Liberty Diner, or buying red velvet cupcakes from Floyd and Bobo's
Bakery and Snack Palace; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by her loving husband, Jackie Horner is
survived by her devoted sister, Esther Smith, and many nieces, nephews,
dance enthusiasts and friends who will long cherish her memory; and


WHEREAS, Through her boundless love and profound words of wisdom,
Jackie Horner's legacy of true grace and luminous beauty, inside and
out, will shine on through her family's vivid and happy memories; her
shining light and strength will forever serve as a beacon of love and
hope for all who were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing
and dynamic woman; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Jackie Horner, dance professional, distinguished
citizen and devoted member of her community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Jackie Horner.