Senate Resolution No. 316

BY: Senator HARCKHAM

MOURNING the death of Mary E. Rainey,
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 this
great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Mary E. Rainey of Peekskill, New York, died on Friday,
January 3, 2025, at the age of 80; and

WHEREAS, Born on September 25, 1944, to parents John B. Smythe and
Irene (Wilson) Smythe, Mary E. Rainey distinguished herself in her
profession and by her sincere dedication and substantial contribution to
the welfare of her community; and

WHEREAS, Mary E. Rainey married her beloved husband, Russel Rainey,
on March 12, 1962; together, they had four cherished children, Troy,
Dorene, Charlene, and Ruby; and

WHEREAS, Graduating from Peekskill High School in June of 1963, Mary
E. Rainey went on to receive an Associate Degree in Social Work from
Pace University; and

WHEREAS, In her professional life, Mary E. Rainey worked as a
teacher at Aunt Bessie's Open Door Daycare before going on to secure
employment at West COP in Valhalla, New York; in 1986, she became the
Director at the Westchester Community Action Program, Kiley Center, in
Peekskill, New York, where she dedicated 40 years to community
initiatives; and

WHEREAS, Through the Youth Employment Program, Mary E. Rainey worked
diligently to uplift the youth of Peekskill; for her exceptional
contributions to the community of Westchester County, she was recognized
with a myriad of awards, certificates, and accolades, including a garden
being named in her honor at the Kiley Center; and

WHEREAS, Mary E. Rainey, with a strong belief in empowering others,
led many through their darkest moments toward self-sufficiency,
providing essential support for food, shelter, and stability, and for
this, she cannot be sufficiently extolled; and

WHEREAS, With faith a cornerstone of her life, Mary E. Rainey was a
devout member of Mount Lebanon Baptist Church in Peekskill; she served
on the Finance Committee and led the Pastor's Aide Ministry for many
years up to the present time, as well as having held the position of
Vice President of the Golden Saints Ministry; and

WHEREAS, In her leisure time, Mary E. Rainey loved gardening,
planting, and cherishing moments spent on vacation with her family; she
valued community gatherings as well as cookouts in her brother-in-law
Hayes' backyard in Peekskill; and


WHEREAS, Mary E. Rainey lived her life following, and certainly
fulfilling, the mantra "do all the good you can do," a sentiment that
was passed down from her cherished grandmother; and

WHEREAS, Mary E. Rainey's commitment to excellence, and her spirit
of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including
charitable and civic endeavors; and

WHEREAS, Mary E. Rainey is survived by her mother, Irene; children,
Troy (Rosie), Dorene, Charlene (James), and Ruby (Robin); brothers:
Waymon, David, Terry (Florence), and Paul, Jr. (Mia); Windell (Cathy);
sisters, Evelyn; and Linda (Hayes); and her cherished grandchildren,
Jmal, Lisa, Andre, Keneil, Charlie, Raymona, Emma, Joycelyn, Naomi, and
Letherious "LT"; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Mary E. Rainey 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
mourn the death of Mary E. Rainey, 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 Mary E. Rainey.