Assembly Resolution No. 267

BY: M. of A. Abinanti

MOURNING the death of Katherine Weisman, beloved
wife and mother, tireless autism advocate and
devoted member of her community

WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who,
through their selfless commitment and dedication, have served to better
the quality of life in our community and have had a measurable positive
impact on the lives of its residents; Katie Weisman was one such
individual; and

WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Katherine Weisman, noting the
significance of her purposeful life and accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Katherine Grace Weisman of Mount Kisco, New York, died on
Tuesday, April 20, 2021, at the age of 55, with family by her side after
a heroic battle with multiple myeloma; and

WHEREAS, Katherine Grace Rounds, affectionately known as Katie, was
born on September 24, 1965, in Bloomington, Illinois, and graduated from
the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn with a Bachelor of Science degree in
Fine Arts; she worked as a technical designer before becoming a
full-time mom and autism advocate, most recently in her position as
Assistant to the Chairman at Children's Health Defense; and

WHEREAS, After her triplet sons, Nick, Alex and Don, were diagnosed
with autism as toddlers, Katherine Weisman began giving tirelessly of
her time and energies to advocating on behalf of those with this
developmental disorder and their families; and

WHEREAS, Katherine Weisman was an active member of SafeMinds, an
organization dedicated to ending the autism crisis by advancing
environmental research and effective treatments; she served on its Board
from 2009 to 2018, and showed a deep understanding of and commitment to
finding the environmental causes of autism and underlying mechanisms
that might yield to treatments; and

WHEREAS, During this time, Katherine Weisman observed a connection
between mercury exposure and her sons' development of autism; she not
only paved a successful path for her boys with her advocacy, but for
countless other children who went on to follow in their footsteps; and

WHEREAS, A true asset to society, Katherine Weisman also served on
the SafeMinds Communications, Government Affairs and Environmental
Committees, and was a valuable senior staff member; and

WHEREAS, Katherine Weisman played an invaluable role in every
endeavor she undertook; she was renowned for her immeasurable
selflessness, intellect, capacity to understand science, patience,
tenacity, and humility; simply put, she was truly one in a million; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment and love for her
community, Katherine Weisman was heavily involved with their

Beautification Committee; she also volunteered for the Bedford Central
School District, Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTO)
and Bedford Autism Spectrum Support (BASS); and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, this extraordinary woman recently made
significant contributions to Children's Health Defense, enabling this
vital organization to continue its scientific writing, research and
analysis at which Katie excelled; and

WHEREAS, The unity of our State and Nation is built upon the
compassion of individuals such as Katherine Weisman who upheld the
values of community life and who, through their great actions,
epitomized the best of humanity; and

WHEREAS, In addition to her three beautiful 23-year-old sons,
Katherine Weisman is survived by her wonderful husband, Doug Weisman;
her mother, Elaine Rounds of Brandon, Manitoba; her father, Richard
(Diane) Rounds of Brandon, Manitoba; her brother, Jon; sister-in-law,
Carla (Rafael); and two brothers-in-law, Lawrence (Amanda) and Roger, as
well as many friends in the autism community who are forever grateful
for her contributions to autism advocacy and science; and

WHEREAS, Katherine Weisman's infinite selflessness and benevolence
will shine on through her family's vivid and happy memories; her insight
and strength will forever serve as a beacon of love, light and hope to
the countless lives she touched; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Katherine Weisman leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
who were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing woman; she
will be deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this
Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Katherine Weisman, and expressing its deepest
condolences to her family; and be it further

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