Assembly Resolution No. 671

BY: M. of A. Lupardo

CELEBRATING the life and accomplishments of
Margaret R. Johnston, staunch supporter of women's
rights, distinguished citizen and devoted member of
her community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Margaret R. Johnston of Binghamton, New York, died on
Saturday, May 13, 2023, at the age of 74; friends, colleagues and family
members will gather together on Sunday, June 25, 2023, to share memories
and pay tribute to a remarkable woman who greatly contributed to the
advancement of our culture at Atomic Tom's in her beloved hometown; and

WHEREAS, Margaret Ruth Johnston, affectionately known to many as
Peg, was born to Ruth (Freeman) and Robert Clark Johnston in Binghamton,
where she lived her entire life; and

WHEREAS, Margaret R. Johnston distinguished herself in her
profession and by her sincere dedication and substantial contribution to
the welfare of her community; and

WHEREAS, This remarkable woman truly strived to make her community a
better place for its residents to live, work, play and learn by
volunteering her time and energy to numerous local organizations such as
VINES and SHIFT; she also co-founded the binghamton bridge, and
maintained its website and worked on the weekly newsletters for years;
and

WHEREAS, A woman of many passions and interests, Margaret R.
Johnston was actively involved in the Center for Gender, Art, and
Culture; Cooperative Gallery 213 and the Department of Public Art
Project which has contributed many murals to the Triple Cities; and

WHEREAS, Margaret R. Johnston was a strong supporter of women's
rights and their reproductive choices and served as the voice of many as
Executive Director of the Southern Tier Women's Services in Vestal, New
York, President of the Abortion Conversation Projects, founder and
President of the National Coalition of Abortion Providers, and founder
of the Abortion Care Network and served as Board President from
2008-2010; and

WHEREAS, In addition, Margaret R. Johnston maintained the Elisabeth
Freeman online archive which was devoted to the famous suffragette and
civil rights worker; and

WHEREAS, Margaret R. Johnston is survived by one nephew, Ken
Johnston; one niece, Susan Jenkins; and her best friends, Luba
Djurdjinovic, Claudia Stallman and Laurie Ryan, as well as numerous
colleagues who will long cherish her memory; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Margaret R. Johnston leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
she served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate the life and accomplishments of Margaret R. Johnston, staunch
supporter of women's rights, distinguished citizen and devoted member of
her community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Margaret R. Johnston.