Assembly Resolution No. 97

BY: M. of A. Barnwell

CONGRATULATING Catherine Galvin upon the occasion
of celebrating her 100th Birthday on March 25, 2021

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, 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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Catherine Galvin upon the occasion of her 100th Birthday to
be celebrated on Thursday, March 25, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Catherine Hehir, affectionately known as Kitty, was born on
March 25, 1921, in County Clare, Ireland; she was the youngest of 10
children born to Michael and Jane (McMahon) Hehir; and

WHEREAS, Kitty Hehir spent her early years on the family farm in
Ireland, where she was known for her love of animals and the
countryside; she attended a two-room school house in a neighboring
parish, walking across the fields every day; and

WHEREAS, In 1940, at the age of 18, Kitty Hehir immigrated to
America, joining her three older siblings in New York; she worked as an
in-house cook alongside several families in the 1940s; and

WHEREAS, In her free time she would often attend Irish dances and
festivals; in 1946, at a dance held in New York City, she met Martin
Galvin, himself from County Clare and one of nine children; there was an
immediate connection, romance ensued, and Martin and Kitty married on
June 1, 1948; and

WHEREAS, Martin and Catherine Galvin settled into a home in Long
Island City and had three children, Eileen, Teresa and Maureen; a great
believer in her Catholic faith, the Galvin girls were raised in the
church, attending the local Catholic grammar school and high schools;
and

WHEREAS, Kitty Galvin loves America and the Irish-American
community; she became an American citizen after World War II, and would
often sponsor young Irish women in America, bringing them into her home,
and providing food and shelter until they were gainfully employed; and

WHEREAS, With a high spirit and adoration for dancing and music,
Kitty Galvin was a gifted Irish dancer, a talent she practiced well into
her 60s; some of her greatest pleasures are listening to Irish music,
cooking her legendary rib-roast dinners and Irish bread, as well as
playing cards; and

WHEREAS, An excellent knitter, Kitty Galvin makes baby blankets,
scarves and, most recently, caps for premature babies in hospitals;
furthermore, each of her grandchildren receive a custom-made wool
blanket when they depart for college; and

WHEREAS, This exceptional centenarian is a parishioner at St.
Sebastian's Church and continues to listen to mass on television; she
enjoys a good story and has a wonderful sense of humor; her memory is
impeccable, and she is always willing to tell tales from her childhood
right up to the present day; and

WHEREAS, Catherine Galvin 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 Catherine Galvin upon the occasion of celebrating her 100th
Birthday; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Catherine Galvin.