LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Mary Buttita 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 a valu-
able asset to the fabric of community life and activity; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Mary
Buttita upon the occasion of celebrating her 100th Birthday with a
dinner to be held on Saturday, March 2, 2013, at the Italian Heritage
Club of the Mohawk Valley in Utica, New York; and
WHEREAS, Mary Buttita was born in her home in Utica, New York, to
Addea and Joseph Deperno on March 4, 1913; she had six siblings; Rock,
Joseph, Lawrence, Carmen, Betty (deceased) and John, the youngest, still
living; and
WHEREAS, In 1934, Mary married the late Thomas Buttita Sr. and during
their 66 years of marriage they raised four wonderful children; today,
Mary enjoys the company of her five grand and great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Mary Buttita still spins many tales of her toils in the bean
fields during the Great Depression when she and her husband, Thomas,
struggled to keep the roof over the family's head, burdened with a mort-
gage and a sewing machine loan of a mere 25 cents a month; later, she
recalls her employment at Sturdy Togs where she enjoyed her work as a
seamstress and exudes a sense of pride in her position as shop steward;
and
WHEREAS, In her younger years, Mary Buttita enjoyed visiting family
around the country and abroad; many speak of her uncanny ability to
always hold the winning hand in Pinochle and amazing ability to come out
on top at the Friday night Pokeno games; and
WHEREAS, For the entirety of her century on earth, Mary Buttita has
been a devout Roman Catholic and active member of her church; many
patrons can still recall the aroma of her Pizza Fritte cooking in the
basement kitchen of St. Agnes Church; her name lives on in legacy
amongst the remaining members of her Alter Rosary Society and many
friends that accompanied her during Bingo nights at the Sons of Italy;
her faith and moral guidance echoes through three generations of her
living family; and
WHEREAS, Mary Buttita always has and always will love Sunday dinners
and holidays with family and friends; and
WHEREAS, This exceptional centenarian with her zest for life, has
inspired and enhanced the lives of her family and friends; experienced
the incredible joys and sorrows characteristic of and reserved for those
with the stamina and courage to savor life; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly recog-
nize 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 its deliberations to
congratulate Mary Buttita upon the occasion of celebrating her 100th
Birthday; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Mary Buttita.