LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Irene Kellish upon the occasion of
celebrating her 100th Birthday

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize those
individuals whose lives have been filled with many remarkable experi-
ences and shared with many individuals who love and respect them; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late Irene Kellish upon the occasion of her 100th Birthday; to celebrate
this milestone, a centennial birthday party will be held in her honor
hosted by her family at the Pompey Rod and Gun Club on June 18, 2016,
featuring live polka music and other great entertainment; and
WHEREAS, Irene was born on June 12, 1916, in the City of Syracuse, to
Ignatius and Sarafinka Lelakowski; and
WHEREAS, Growing up in Syracuse, Irene peddled newspapers with her
brother, Theodore Lelakowski, and sister, Genevive Lelakowski Delcioppo,
in their neighborhood along West Genesee Street, which was then known as
"Automobile Row"; and
WHEREAS, Irene was educated by the nuns at the School at Sacred Heart
Church in Syracuse, known today as the Basilica of the Sacred Heart; and
WHEREAS, Irene met the love of her life at her 16th birthday party in
June of 1932, when John Kellish was selected to play the fiddle in the
band at her party; and
WHEREAS, On June 26, 1937, Irene and John Kellish were married at
Immaculate Conception Church in Pompey, New York; together, they raised
their outstanding son, Thomas; and
WHEREAS, Irene Kellish was employed as a sewing machine factory worker
at Brown Lipe Chapin on Geddes Street until 1943; she was known as one
of the original "Rosie the Riveters" in charge of the rivet headlight
trim on the headlights for General Motors vehicles; and
WHEREAS, In 1943, Irene Kellish went to work at New Process Gear until
she retired 32 years later on December 31, 1975; and
WHEREAS, According to those she trained at New Process Gear, Irene
Kellish was a dedicated employee; she always carried a notebook which
was filled with calculations to make sure the machine was running at
full capacity; and
WHEREAS, During her time on the line at New Process Gear, Irene Kell-
ish was involved in a machinery accident which resulted in the loss of
her left pinky finger, but, due to her dedication, and strong work
ethic, she returned to work the following day; and
WHEREAS, Throughout her full and interesting life, Irene Kellish
always tried to stay involved in church functions, especially community
picnics; she also became involved in the Fabius-Pompey Senior Citizens
Club and helped raise funds for trips; and
WHEREAS, Irene Kellish has remained ready to give a hand for any
community project to benefit neighbors and groups; throughout the years
she has become known as the "Cookie Lady" for the thousands of pounds of
cookies she has made and sold for all occasions; and
WHEREAS, Irene Kellish has stayed physically active throughout her
long life by cooking, gardening, and working on her family's farm; this
remarkable woman still mowed her lawn well into her late 80s; the only
thing she wanted for her 80th birthday was a 5 horsepower lawn mower;
and
WHEREAS, For the past 100 years, Irene Kellish has witnessed countless
events, innovations and achievements in this country, while personally
contributing to the excellence of this Empire State and enriching the
lives of so many people around her; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor and salute Irene Kellish upon the occasion of celebrating her
100th Birthday; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Irene Kellish.