J 224: Mourning the death of Celeste Alma Patton, distinguished citizen and devoted member of her community

 Senate Resolution No. 224 BY: Senator HARCKHAM MOURNING the death of Celeste Alma Patton, distinguished citizen and devoted member of her community WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavors served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great State of New York; and WHEREAS, Celeste Alma Patton of Ossining, New York died on March 16, 2024 at the age of 70; and WHEREAS, A lifelong Ossining resident, Celeste Alma Patton was born on March 31, 1953; she was a graduate of Ossining High School; furthering her education, she received degrees from Berkeley College and Pace University; and WHEREAS, Embarking on her career, Celeste Alma Patton started working for a phone company, then for Hughes Sports Network and NBC Sports; after marrying her lifelong partner, Joe Clarke, she began her journey of motherhood and raised three beautiful daughters; and WHEREAS, Earning her 15 years of service pin, Celeste Alma Patton was a devoted and beloved Girl Scout troop leader, who shouldered more than just her own troop responsibilities; and WHEREAS, Once her children were old enough, Celeste Alma Patton re-entered the workforce, coordinating for Dominican Sisters Family Health Services until her retirement; she also began volunteering in her decade-long position at the St. Augustine Golden Eagles, whose membership grew to well over 100 seniors strong; she kept them active and current with organized weekly meetings, chair yoga, luncheons, Broadway plays, community outreaches, and specialized guest speakers; and WHEREAS, Remaining active in the community, Celeste Alma Patton served as a board member for the Country Inn at Jiminy Peak; for more than a dozen years, she advocated, encouraged, and negotiated to satisfy the highest ADA standards; and WHEREAS, An avid skier, Celeste Alma Patton joined the para-ski troop and skied using a sled for seven years amongst her many passions; and WHEREAS, Celeste Alma Patton distinguished herself in her profession and by her sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of her community; and WHEREAS, Celeste Alma Patton's commitment to excellence, and her spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charitable and civic endeavors; and WHEREAS, Celeste Alma Patton is survived by her husband, Joseph Clarke, daughters, Kathleen, Maureen, and Eileen, grandchildren, Henry Clarke Gebhard, Brendan, and Michael O'Reilly, sister, Camille Patton, her niece Corinne Jackson, her nephew Brandt Hughes, and many cherished cousins and friends; and WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of compassion, Celeste Alma Patton leaves behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all she served and befriended; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of Celeste Alma Patton, distinguished citizen and devoted member of her community; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Celeste Alma Patton.