The New York State Senate

J1405

Senate Resolution No. 1405

BY: Senator PERSAUD

CONGRATULATING Rowena E. Croker 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 Rowena E. Croker upon the occasion of celebrating her 100th
Birthday; and

WHEREAS, Born on January 4, 1922, in Hyde Park, Guyana, to Mary
Durban and Thomas Burnett, Rowena Elgitha Croker 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, Rowena E. Burnett married David Croker when she was 19
years-old and he was 21; together, they were the proud parents of eight
children; and

WHEREAS, They enjoyed their marriage until his untimely death at the
young age of 37; it was at this time, Rowena E. Croker began working,
first as a domestic at the Persaud's on Brickdam, and later as a cleaner
at Ministry of Labor; when she left the Ministry, she worked in her
daughter's Snackette in East Ruimveldt Market for many years; and

WHEREAS, In 1988, Rowena E. Croker migrated to America when she was
66 years-old to join another one of her daughters; in the United States,
she worked in home care, first caring for a baby and then a sick man; at
the age 75, she stopped working and helped to take care of her
grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Rowena E. Croker lives an exemplary life of service to
others and sets great examples for all who have the privilege of meeting
her; in Guyana, she started a Sunday school after seeing many of the
children in the neighborhood running around shirtless and shoeless on
Sundays while her children were attending church; she called it a "come
as you are" Sunday school because she wanted them to come and not stay
home due to lack of clothing and/or shoes; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the year, Rowena E. Croker provided the children
with clothing when she could afford it, and at Christmastime she held a
party for the Sunday school children and surprised them food, toys,
clothing and shoes; and

WHEREAS, The Sunday school grew to approximately 75-100 children by
the time Rowena E. Croker migrated to America; after Rowena left, her

daughter continued her mother's responsibilities at the Sunday school;
and

WHEREAS, Around 1996, Rowena E. Croker joined the Rugby Deliverance
Tabernacle in Brooklyn, New York, and to this day, she remains a
faithful member; and

WHEREAS, Today, Rowena E. Croker is the loving mother to four of her
eight children, and the devoted grandmother of 17 grandchildren, 31
great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, With her zest for life, this exceptional centenarian has
inspired and enhanced the lives of her family and friends; she has truly
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 Rowena E. Croker upon the occasion of celebrating her 100th
Birthday; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Rowena E. Croker.