Senate Resolution No. 1273

BY: Senator GRIFFO

CONGRATULATING Madelyn Frances Durse Rella upon
the occasion of celebrating her 100th Birthday

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

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Madelyn Frances Durse Rella upon the occasion of her 100th
Birthday, to be celebrated on Sunday, August 22, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Born to Joseph and Maria DiMeo Stabile Durse on August 22,
1921, Madelyn Frances Durse and her family lived in Frankfort, New York,
where she and her siblings, Anthony, Mary, Grace, Pearl, Stabile,
Antoinette, Flora, Margaret, Yolanda and Frances attended Frankfort
School System; and

WHEREAS, Madelyn met and married the love of her life, Edward
William Rella, on September 23, 1939, and together they raised nine
children, Mary Ann, Frances, Edwina, Vincent, Joseph, Roberta, Damian,
Gerarda and Michele; and

WHEREAS, The couple, who lived in Oriskany, New York, and often
wintered in West Palm Beach, Florida, were married for 67 wonderful
years until Edward's death in 2006, at the age of 93; and

WHEREAS, Today, Madelyn Frances Durse Rella resides in Rome, New
York, and is the loving grandmother of 25 grandchildren, 23
great-grandchildren, and nine great-great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Although Madelyn Frances Durse Rella worked at Robert Hall
Clothing and a bakery in West Palm Beach, Florida, the job she cherished
most was being a full-time wife and mother; and

WHEREAS, Madelyn Frances Durse Rella, with her zest for life, has
inspired and enhanced the lives of her family and friends; the love she
and her family share for travel led them to such extraordinary places as
Italy, Hawaii, Bermuda, Bahamas, and Walt Disney World, as well as many
memorable cruises; they also enjoyed camping and traveling to shrines
such as Auriesville in Upstate New York and St. Anne's Basillica in
Canada; and

WHEREAS, A woman of great faith, Madelyn Frances Durse Rella was a
Daily Communicant at St. Stephan's Catholic Church for more than 50
years and in West Palm Beach for approximately 20 years; and

WHEREAS, Madelyn Frances Durse Rella is an amazing cook with many
recipes known only to her; in addition to canning a variety of fruits
and vegetables, this gifted woman has always enjoyed making homemade
pastas, breads, cookies and cakes; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, holidays were always a very special treat,
with her beautifully decorated home, her elegantly set table, her
scrumptious menus and most importantly, her wonderful family; 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, Madelyn Frances Durse Rella 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 Madelyn Frances Durse Rella upon the occasion of
celebrating her 100th Birthday; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Madelyn Frances Durse Rella.