Senate Resolution No. 3311

BY: Senator RITCHIE

CONGRATULATING Sister Catherine Laboure Goodbout,
SSJ upon the occasion of celebrating her 100th
Birthday on October 29, 2017

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 Sister Catherine Laboure Goodbout, SSJ upon the occasion of
celebrating her 100th Birthday; and

WHEREAS, Sister Catherine Laboure Goodbout was born on October 29,
1917, to Ernest and Mary LaPierre Goodbout, and is a native of Canton,
New York; and

WHEREAS, Sister Catherine Laboure Goodbout graduated from Canton
High School in 1936, and received a bachelor's degree in education from
the State University of New York at Postdam; and

WHEREAS, She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on March 24, 1950,
taking her final vows on September 24, 1955; and

WHEREAS, Sister Catherine celebrated her 65th Anniversary as a
Sister of St. Joseph in 2015; and

WHEREAS, She served as a teacher for many years at various
elementary schools in the Ogdensburg Diocese including St. John's in
Morristown, Holy Name in Ausable Forks, St. Joseph the Worker in
Mineville, St. James in Gouverneur, St. Joseph's in Massena, St
Andrew's in Norwood, and Holy Name School in Tupper Lake; and

WHEREAS, In addition to her long and varied teaching career, Sister
Catherine Laboure Goodbout taught religious education classes and made
home visits in various parishes in the Diocese of Ogdensburg; and

WHEREAS, Since her retirement in 1995, Sister Catherine Laboure
Goodbout has lived at the Sisters of St. Joseph Motherhouse in
Watertown, New York, and for many years, made home and hospital visits
to shut-ins and patients of nursing homes and hospitals; and

WHEREAS, Sister Catherine Laboure Goodbout has inspired her family
and fellow sisters with her strength and beauty and they look forward to
celebrating many more birthdays with her; and

WHEREAS, This distinguished woman, who has experienced the
incredible joys and sorrows characteristic of and reserved for those

with the stamina and courage to savor a full life, has inspired the
lives of her m any friends and family; and

WHEREAS, This beloved woman has enriched the lives of those around
her through her joyous and sincere love for life 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 Sister Catherine Laboure Goodbout, SSJ upon the occasion of
celebrating her 100th Birthday; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Sister Catherine Laboure Goodbout, SSJ.