Senate Resolution No. 1450

BY: Senator HAMILTON

CONGRATULATING Esther Rosetta Ward Hobson upon the
occasion of celebrating her 100th Birthday

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, 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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Esther Rosetta Ward Hobson upon the occasion of her 100th
Birthday to be celebrated at a party held in her honor on Friday, April
21, 2017, at the Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation (CNR) in
Brooklyn, New York; and

WHEREAS, Esther Hobson was born on Easter Sunday in 1916; she
attended P.S. 54, J.H.S. 35 and Girls High School in Brooklyn; and

WHEREAS, At the age of 21, Esther Ward married James Alfred Hobson;
together, they raised four daughters, and eight sons, all of whom
proudly served their country as members of the United States Armed
Forces; and

WHEREAS, The Hobson family, like many other American families,
supported the national war effort by collecting the recycling fats,
paper, rags and metal and maintaining a Victory garden; their garden was
the recipient of the McArthur Medal in a garden community contest, and
was subsequently used as a model to be replicated by others; and

WHEREAS, Esther Hobson and her husband raised their children to
value church and music; they were both vital members of the Ebenezer
Methodist Church, and enjoyed singing with their children at home; and

WHEREAS, Esther Hobson worked in the dietary department at Kings
County Hospital, and then served as a clerk with the New York City
Department of Social Services, the position from which she officially
retired; and

WHEREAS, For more than 50 years, Esther Hobson has been a faithful
member of the Bushwick United Methodist Church, where she has shared her
infectious enthusiasm for sewing, knitting, embroidery and other
needlecraft skills with numerous young people; and

WHEREAS, Today, Esther Hobson is an active participant in spiritual
programs and gospel singing at CNR; known as a kind soul, she routinely
visits other residents and reads the Bible to them; and

WHEREAS, Esther Hobson, with her zest for life, has inspired and
enhanced the lives of her family and friends; 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, Esther Hobson has enriched the lives of those around her
through her joyous and sincere love for others and through the quiescent
charm and 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 who 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 Esther Rosetta Ward Hobson upon the occasion of celebrating
her 100th Birthday; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Esther Rosetta Ward Hobson.