Senate Resolution No. 242

BY: Senator GRIFFO

CONGRATULATING Doris O. Dusharm upon the occasion
of celebrating her 100th Birthday

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, Born on August 31, 1916, to Hazel (Marcel) and James
Moroughan in Harrisville, New York, Doris O. Dusharm celebrated her
100th Birthday with a myriad of events planned by her loving family on
Saturday, August 27, 2016; and

WHEREAS, The day started out at her Wood Road home, where family
members surprised Doris O. Dusharm by picking her up in a horse-drawn
carriage led by King, a 10-year-old North American spotted draft horse
wearing a fancy Scottish collar housing and show harness; and

WHEREAS, Joined by her great-granddaughter, Doris O. Dusharm was
taken around the village in the 1890s-era replica carriage, while a
handful of people watched from porches and the side of the road as the
procession slowly traveled along its quaint streets to her birthday
party at the Harrisville Fire Hall, where approximately 150 of her
family members, friends, neighbors and village residents came together
to wish this remarkable woman a very happy birthday, share memories and
take photos with the new centenarian; and

WHEREAS, One of Doris O. Dusharm's biggest surprises of the day, was
receiving a special High School Diploma from the Superintendent of
Harrisville Central School; and

WHEREAS, After leaving school at the young age of 17, Doris O.
Dusharm worked part-time at the Harrisville Paper Mill; on January 13,
1936, she happily married her husband, Vernon Dusharm, and together the
couple had five wonderful children; and

WHEREAS, This exceptional centenarian, with her zest for life, has
inspired and enhanced the lives of her family and friends; and

WHEREAS, With her throughout has been her son and next-door
neighbor, Paul, nine grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and three
great-great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, all
of whom feel privileged to be a part of her life and rejoice in her
accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, This distinguished woman 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, Unfortunately, Doris O. Dusharm has faced a great deal of
heart ache throughout her long life; her twin daughters, Jean and Joan,
died at a young age, and her two sons, Barry and Bruce have also passed

away; in 1971, her husband perished, leaving Doris a widow after 35
years of marriage; and

WHEREAS, This beloved woman 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, Today, Doris O. Dusharm enjoys playing Pedro, a popular
card-trading game, on Saturday nights with her friends and regularly
attends church on Sundays; 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 Doris O. Dusharm upon the occasion of celebrating her 100th
Birthday; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Doris O. Dusharm.