Senate Resolution No. 1641

BY: Senator PARKER

MOURNING the death of Adelaide Raspberry, devoted
mother, tireless advocate for the homeless and
longtime crossing guard at the 94th Precinct in
Brooklyn

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to honor the life
and accomplishments of individuals whose enduring commitment and
dedication significantly enhanced the quality of education in their
community; and

WHEREAS, With deep regret this Legislative Body records the passing
of Adelaide Raspberry, devoted mother, tireless advocate for the
homeless and longtime crossing guard at the 94th Precinct in Brooklyn,
on Tuesday, March 28, 2017, at the age of age of 72; and

WHEREAS, For 33 years, Adelaide Raspberry was a vital and integral
part of the Brooklyn educational system and of the daily lives of
children throughout her community; she was responsible for safely
crossing children both prior to and at the conclusion of each school
day; parents and the local schools entrusted her with the lives and
well-being of their beloved children; and

WHEREAS, Adelaide Raspberry was born on July 30, 1944, in Brooklyn,
New York, where she lived her entire life; she attended both P.S. 132
and J.H.S. 126 in Brooklyn, and Central Commercial High School in
Manhattan, New York, where she graduated in 1962; and

WHEREAS, After graduation, Adelaide Raspberry worked at a local
hospital for several years; during this time, she met and married her
husband, Bobby Raspberry; later, she attended Medgar Evers College in
Brooklyn New York; and

WHEREAS, Adelaide Raspberry was a very outspoken person and actively
supported issues she cared about, including education and the fair
treatment of economically disadvantaged African-Americans; and

WHEREAS, With a passion for children, Adelaide Raspberry served as a
Math teaching paraprofessional at J.H.S. 126 in Brooklyn; she then found
her calling as a school crossing guard at the 94th Precinct and
fulfilled her life's dream to work with children; and

WHEREAS, Always a strong advocate of the importance of education,
Adelaide Raspberry took great delight and pride in her job; she was
never late to work, hardly ever missed any days and often stayed on her
post past her shift until every child returned home from school safely;
in 2009, she retired from this position after 33 years of distinguished
service; and

WHEREAS, A devoted mother of two girls, Adelaide Raspberry strongly
influenced their love of learning, commitment to hard work and pursuit
of higher education; she always stressed the importance of education as
a key to obtain success in life; and

WHEREAS, When she was not at work, Adelaide Raspberry loved to read
a good book and create beautiful sewing projects; a kind woman, she was
always available to lend a helping hand to her friends and neighbors;
and

WHEREAS, For over six decades, Adelaide Raspberry lived at Cooper
Park Houses, where she was actively involved with the tenant's
association and local community affairs; and

WHEREAS, In addition to her invaluable work at Cooper Park Houses,
Adelaide Raspberry would often volunteer and visit with the veterans
returning home from the Vietnam War at the Fort Hamilton Military Base;
and

WHEREAS, Adelaide Raspberry was also active in her union, DC 37
Local 371, frequently attending meetings at the hall and organizing her
colleagues to participate in elections and rallies; before her
retirement, she organized her colleagues to participate in a rally at
City Hall where her union demanded the City increase wages and benefits
for school crossing guards; and

WHEREAS, Moreover, Adelaide Raspberry often participated in
countless civic and organizing activities which empowered the voiceless;
in 1981, she participated in the DC 37 March on Washington to protest
the lack of job opportunities, and advocated for fair living wages and
benefits; and

WHEREAS, In 1986, Adelaide Raspberry proudly took part in a march
against the South African apartheid system in Central Park in New York
City; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by her mother, Fannie Caldwell; three brothers,
Ronald, Jerome, and Donald; and sister, Marilyn Caldwell, Adelaide
Raspberry is survived by her two daughters, Pamela Raspberry Beaumont
and Tiffany Raspberry; one sister, Hattie Carwell; one brother, Walter
Caldwell; and one aunt, Lovelane Jeppe; as well as numerous nieces,
nephews, cousins and friends; and

WHEREAS, Over the course of her long and distinguished career,
Adelaide Raspberry touched the lives of thousands of young people, their
parents, and the Brooklyn community she served; through rain, sleet,
snow, hail and heat, she was always at her post assuring the
neighborhood children safety navigated their way to and from school; and

WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body is moved to mourn the death of Adelaide Raspberry, a
woman of great faith, compassion and achievement; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Adelaide Raspberry 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
pay tribute to the memory of Adelaide Raspberry, to celebrate her life,
and to acknowledge the significance of her contributions to the
well-being of the children and the homeless in her community; and be it
further


RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Adelaide Raspberry.