Assembly Resolution No. 309

BY: M. of A. Buttenschon

CONGRATULATING Genevieve Wadas upon the occasion
of celebrating her 102nd 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate
Genevieve Wadas upon the occasion of celebrating her 102nd Birthday; and

WHEREAS, Genevieve Klodnicki was born on April 4, 1919, to Polish
immigrant parents Antoni and Sofia Klodnicki in Utica, New York, where
she participated in numerous activities through the Utica park system,
especially team sports; a talented athlete, she could often be found
playing in softball or basketball tournaments throughout Oneida County;
she actually met her future husband during a game at Union Hall in New
York Mills, New York; and

WHEREAS, After graduating from Utica Free Academy in 1937, Genevieve
Klodnicki earned her secretarial certificate from the Utica School of
Commerce the following year; she then began her long career as a
stenographer working for various local attorneys; and

WHEREAS, On February 9, 1942, Genevieve Klodnicki married the late
Edward Louis Wadas, Sr. in Washington, D.C., where she found work in
government, and her husband proudly served his country as a
reconnaissance tank commander in the United States Army during World War
II; and

WHEREAS, Genevieve and Edward Wadas truly loved each other and wrote
to each other every day; to this day, she still has 136 92 V- Mail
(Victory Mail) letters which remind her of her loving 41-year marriage;
and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service, Genevieve and
Edward Wadas returned to Oneida County and settled in New York Mills
where they built a home and raised their three children; she continued
her work with the government at Griffiss Air Force Base, in Rome, New
York, where she received numerous Superior Performance Awards from the
Commander; and

WHEREAS, After her much deserved retirement, Genevieve Wadas was a
member of the New York Mills Historical Society and stayed active by
attending New York Mills High School basketball games, reading, playing
cards with her girlfriends, puzzling, and knitting and crocheting, which
she liked to teach to her neighbors; and

WHEREAS, Above all, Genevieve Wadas loves to spend time with her
beloved family: her three children, Edward (Candice) Wadas, Jr., Jean
Brandon, and Thomas J. (Michele) Wadas; six grandchildren, Heidi (Jeff),
Holly, Hilary (Mark), Emily (Peter Anthony), Benjamin, and David; and
five great-grandchildren, Kamryn, Kathryn, Kendall, Charlotte, and
Sofia; and

WHEREAS, Genevieve Wadas, with her zest for life, has inspired and
enhanced the lives of her family and friends; 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, Genevieve Wadas 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 Genevieve Wadas upon the occasion of celebrating her 102nd
Birthday; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Genevieve Wadas.