Senate Resolution No. 2171

BY: Senator STEC

CONGRATULATING ReKealth Egeland upon the occasion
of celebrating her 105th 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 ReKealth Egeland upon the occasion of her 105th Birthday
which was celebrated with a party held in her honor at Uihlein Living
Center, Lake Placid, New York; and

WHEREAS, ReKealth Egeland, affectionately known as Kay, was born on
February 28, 1917, in Brooklyn, New York; she grew up on the northern
seashore of New Jersey, reading The New York Times over her father's
shoulder; he was a writer for the paper and would often ask for her
thoughts on articles; and

WHEREAS, ReKealth Egeland's childhood home was filled with culture
and life; her mother had birds, her brother had a rabbit, and the family
had cats, among other animals; her younger years left her with an
affinity for animals from which she never outgrew; and

WHEREAS, ReKealth Egeland met and married her husband in New Jersey,
where he pitched for the Fair Haven Robins; during this time, she was a
housewife and stay-at-home mom who devoted her life to making a loving
home for her family; and

WHEREAS, ReKealth Egeland looks back fondly on her 20s and 30s, when
her children were young; she warmly remembers going to camp as a family,
swimming, hiking, and cooking outside; this young family had a home life
just as vibrant as ReKeath's was growing up, with a menagerie of friends
and fun; and

WHEREAS, ReKealth Egeland and her husband moved up north after their
kids grew up, first to Vermont in the 1970s, before settling in Saranac
Lake, New York, in the 1980s; moving here was one of her favorite
memories; and

WHEREAS, ReKealth Egeland, with her zest for life, has inspired and
enhanced the lives of her family and friends; she has developed a list
of likes in her 105 years, among them are flowers, kids, the ocean,
"mixing it up," and animals, to name a few; she enjoys taking life
day-by-day, keep things interesting and having a good sense of humor;
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, ReKealth Egeland 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 ReKealth Egeland upon the occasion of celebrating her 105th
Birthday; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to ReKealth Egeland.