LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Bella Tillis, 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, Bella Tillis, of Brooklyn, New York died on April 7, 2013, at
the age of 99, just 15 days short of her 100th birthday; and
WHEREAS, Born April 22, 1913, Bella Lipson Tillis graduated from
Thomas Jefferson High School where she worked on the school newspaper
and met Bernard Tillis, who would eventually become her husband; and
WHEREAS, This exemplary woman distinguished herself in her profession
and by her sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the
welfare of her community; and
WHEREAS, Bella Tillis attended Hunter College, and later earned a
Master's degree in Music Education from Teachers' College of Columbia
University; she became a substitute teacher in the New York school
system before settling into her career as a full-time high school music
teacher in 1941, at Midwood High School in Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, Bella Tillis' commitment to excellence, and her spirit of
humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charita-
ble and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, During her illustrious career with Midwood High School, Bella
Tillis created and directed "Sing!", an annual student-produced satir-
ical musical comedy that became a tradition in New York City high
schools and continues today; during "Sing!", a school's classes compete
against each other, putting on a theatrical production entirely
composed, organized and performed by students; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, the productions are an opportunity for students
of all backgrounds and interests to come together and work on a creative
project, to be performed for the entire school; the 1989 movie "Sing!"
was based on the traditions that began with Bella Tillis; and
WHEREAS, Bella Tillis retired from the esteemed position of Director
of the Music Department, after 30 years of dedicated service to Midwood
High School; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by her loving husband, Dr. Bernard P. Tillis,
Bella Tillis is survived by her sister, Stella Handler; nephews, Stanley
H. Lipson, Michael Handler, Robert Handler, and Thomas Handler; niece,
Margaret Handler-Kaminsky; 11 grandnieces and nephews; four great-grand-
nephews; and one great-grandniece; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Bella Tillis 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 Bella Tillis, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of her community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Bella Tillis.