Senate Resolution No. 5297

BY: Senator COMRIE

CONGRATULATING Olga M. Archer 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 Olga M. Archer upon the occasion of her 100th Birthday to
be celebrated on Thursday, May 24, 2018; and

WHEREAS, Olga Maud McLaren was born to Miriam Gibbons and Wilfred
McLaren, on May 24, 1918, in the Brandon Hill section of the Parish of
St. Andrew, Jamaica, West Indies; as a young child, she worked on the
family farm and attended grade school as time permitted; and

WHEREAS, On December 20, 1942, Olga M. McLaren married Samuel L.
Archer, who unfortunately died in 1957, leaving her alone to raise five
children; and

WHEREAS, Times were tough for Olga M. Archer and her children, and
subsequently, she left her home to find work; yet, she persevered, and
with the help of her extended family and neighbors, her children were
cared for while she was gone; today, she is very proud of her children
and their many accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her five children, 20
grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and four
great-great-grandchildren, as well as the countless children of
neighbors on both sides of the great pond, all of whom have shown her
love and support and rejoice in her many achievements; and

WHEREAS, Olga M. Archer, with her zest for life, has inspired and
enhanced the lives of her family, friends and the community of Queens;
and

WHEREAS, Olga Archer, a resolute woman of faith and fortitude,
joined St. Gabriel's Hollis Episcopal Church in 1972; as a member, she
worked with the Ladies Auxiliary, sang in the choir, and participated in
Bible study; and

WHEREAS, Olga Archer learned to swim at the age of 75, and,
thereafter, joined the Roy Wilkins Park Recreation Center and began
participating in underwater ballet, playing tennis, and traveling to
venues in the Caribbean and Europe; furthermore, at the age of 100, she
is still a music lover who likes knitting and Bible study, and exercises
with the girls at Grace House; 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, Olga M. Archer 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, Olga Archer lives by the constant credo that "Not everybody
was meant to be a bigshot. Small, steady, God-fearing people are the
ones who hold the world together."; 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 Olga M. Archer upon the occasion of celebrating her 100th
Birthday; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Olga M. Archer.