Senate Resolution No. 1474

BY: Senator GRIFFO

CONGRATULATING Margaret Helen Walker upon the
occasion of celebrating her 100th Birthday on
November 12, 2023

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 Margaret Helen Walker upon the occasion of celebrating her
100th Birthday on Sunday, November 12, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Margaret Helen Calhoun of New Hartford, New York, was born
to Grant and Helen (Welch) Calhoun in Brookfield, New York, on November
12, 1923; she is the eldest of eight children, having four sisters and
three brothers; and

WHEREAS, In 1941, Margaret Helen Calhoun graduated from Brookfield
Central School and enrolled in secretarial studies at Powelson Business
Institute in Syracuse, New York, graduating in 1942; during World War
II, she worked for the United States War Department; and

WHEREAS, On November 21, 1943, Margaret Helen Calhoun married Harry
Walker, a dairy farmer in North Brookfield who also operated a sawmill
and produced maple syrup; the couple were blessed with four children;
and

WHEREAS, While raising a family, Margaret Helen Walker assisted with
the work on the farm; through the years, nine grandchildren, 20
great-grandchildren, and eight great-great-grandchildren enriched the
couple's lives; and

WHEREAS, Active in her community, Margaret Helen Walker was
committed to various organizations; she was involved in clean-up
projects in her community while she was a member of the World Wide Guild
(1958-1962); she also held membership with Home Bureau; she even ensured
the neighborhood children could enjoy their summers by transporting them
to Brookfield's swimming pool; and

WHEREAS, Having remarkable skills in mathematics, Margaret Helen
Walker acted as Treasurer of numerous local organizations, including
Brookfield Historical Society; engaged in politics, she also
participated in elections as a poll worker; and

WHEREAS, Margaret Helen Walker has enjoyed various pastimes and
interests, including playing the piano as a volunteer at Harding Nursing
Home, singing in the choir for many years as a member of Brookfield

First Baptist Church, bowling from the 1960s through the 1980s with the
Waterville Bowling League, playing card games, and making her remarkable
chocolate fudge; and

WHEREAS, After 80 years of residency in North Brookfield, Margaret
Helen Walker transitioned to long-term care at Sitrin Health Care Center
in 2023; 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, Margaret Helen Walker has enriched the lives of those
around her through her joyous and sincere love for others and through
the vibrant charm and infinite 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 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 Margaret Helen Walker upon the occasion of celebrating her
100th Birthday on November 12, 2023; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Margaret Helen Walker.