Senate Resolution No. 1924

BY: Senator GRIFFO

CONGRATULATING Eleanor Sexton 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 Eleanor Sexton upon the occasion of her 100th Birthday
which was celebrated with a party held in her honor on Saturday,
February 5, 2022; and

WHEREAS, Born on February 5, 1922, in Rochester, New York, to
William Roy and Mabel Jones Pillmore, Eleanor Sexton 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, After moving to Westernville, New York, in 1929, Eleanor
Sexton graduated from Rome Free Academy in 1938, and three years later,
from the Utica School of Commerce; furthermore, she was employed at Rome
Cable for five years; and

WHEREAS, Eleanor Sexton married the love of her life, Donald A.
Sexton, on April 15, 1944, at the First Methodist Church of Rome, New
York, in a double ceremony with Donald's sister, Shirley and her fiance,
Vincent Barnard; and

WHEREAS, The couple operated a grocery store in Westernville, New
York, for seven years until Donald's untimely death on July 10, 1971;
and

WHEREAS, A true asset to her community, Eleanor Sexton served as a
tax collector for the Town of Western for 12 years, Treasurer of the
Village Chrystal Spring Water Company for more than 25 years, and as a
Trustee of the Cemetery Association; and

WHEREAS, A woman of indomitable faith and dedication, Eleanor Sexton
was a member of the Westernville Presbyterian Church for more than 70
years, where she served as deacon; she was also an active member of the
Westernville Home Bureau, Town Historical Society, and the Friends of
Western Library; and

WHEREAS, Today, Eleanor Sexton is the loving mother to five of her
six children, and the devoted grandmother of 10 grandchildren, 10
great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, This exceptional centenarian, with her zest for life, has
inspired and enhanced the lives of her family and friends; and

WHEREAS, Eleanor Sexton 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
tremendous 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 Eleanor Sexton upon the occasion of celebrating her 100th
Birthday; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Eleanor Sexton.