LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Mary Joan Koonz Egan,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of her community

WHEREAS, The State of New York is deeply saddened by the death of its
esteemed residents; and
WHEREAS, Mary Joan Koonz Egan passed away on February 4, 2013; and
WHEREAS, Mary was born on June 22, 1919, the daughter of Casper and
Mary Koonz; and
WHEREAS, Due to her hard work and dedication to her studies, she grad-
uated the Academy of Holy Names at the age of 16; and
WHEREAS, In 1940, Mary received a degree in library science from the
New York State Teachers College, now the University at Albany; she was
also honored with the Agnes Feutrer Award for her remarkable acting
talent; and
WHEREAS, She began her distinguished career in New York City, working
for Major Seversky, author of VICTORY THROUGH AIR POWER, and was later
employed by the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Central School District during
World War II; and
WHEREAS, Mary spent several years making a loving home for her family,
and then returned to work as a librarian at the University at Albany,
her alma mater, where she also registered as a student; she earned a
Masters in Education and a Masters in Educational Administration; and
WHEREAS, She then served in various library positions for the Albany
Public Library, Albany Medical Center, several schools in Schenectady,
and the Shenendehowa Central School District; and
WHEREAS, Mary was a beloved member of the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake
Central School District community, serving as Director of Library and
Media Services from 1961 until her retirement in 1999; and
WHEREAS, During her distinguished tenure, the district was recognized
with the Encyclopedia Brittanica Award for the greatest improvement in
elementary schools in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Mary was also recognized with the New York Libraries Associ-
ation's Outstanding School Library Innovation Award, the Excellence in
Education Award from the University at Albany, and inclusion in the
seventh edition of Who's Who of American Women; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, she was renowned as the writer, producer, and
host of a series of televised library skills lessons on WRGB and later
on PBS; the series ran for more than 15 years; and
WHEREAS, Mary contributed her time and expertise as President of the
School Library Media Section of the State Library Association, as State
Chairman of the Junior Great Books Program, and as adjunct professor at
the University at Albany; and
WHEREAS, She was an accomplished author, having written articles in
"School Library Journal" and "Instructor" magazines and a book entitled
BILLY'S VILLAGE; at the time of her death, she was working on another
book, MARY'S CITY; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by her husband, William Egan, Mary Joan Koonz
Egan is survived by four daughters, Maureen Buhrmaster, Eileen Mach,
Tracy Egan, and Margaret Cummings; six grandchildren, Kate Buhrmaster,
Sarah Buhrmaster, Timothy Mack, Maura Mack Hisgen, Bridget Blythe
Briere, and Emmie Cummings; and three great-grandchildren, Maeve Hisgen,
Caroline Mack, and Katharine Hisgen; and
WHEREAS, Her memory will forever be honored by the legacy she left
through her extraordinary dedication to education and her community;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Mary Joan Koonz Egan; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Mary Joan Koonz Egan.