J 316: Mourning the death of Mary E. Rainey, distinguished citizen and devoted member of her community

 Senate Resolution No. 316 BY: Senator HARCKHAM MOURNING the death of Mary E. Rainey, 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 endeavor served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and this great Empire State; and WHEREAS, Mary E. Rainey of Peekskill, New York, died on Friday, January 3, 2025, at the age of 80; and WHEREAS, Born on September 25, 1944, to parents John B. Smythe and Irene (Wilson) Smythe, Mary E. Rainey distinguished herself in her profession and by her sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of her community; and WHEREAS, Mary E. Rainey married her beloved husband, Russel Rainey, on March 12, 1962; together, they had four cherished children, Troy, Dorene, Charlene, and Ruby; and WHEREAS, Graduating from Peekskill High School in June of 1963, Mary E. Rainey went on to receive an Associate Degree in Social Work from Pace University; and WHEREAS, In her professional life, Mary E. Rainey worked as a teacher at Aunt Bessie's Open Door Daycare before going on to secure employment at West COP in Valhalla, New York; in 1986, she became the Director at the Westchester Community Action Program, Kiley Center, in Peekskill, New York, where she dedicated 40 years to community initiatives; and WHEREAS, Through the Youth Employment Program, Mary E. Rainey worked diligently to uplift the youth of Peekskill; for her exceptional contributions to the community of Westchester County, she was recognized with a myriad of awards, certificates, and accolades, including a garden being named in her honor at the Kiley Center; and WHEREAS, Mary E. Rainey, with a strong belief in empowering others, led many through their darkest moments toward self-sufficiency, providing essential support for food, shelter, and stability, and for this, she cannot be sufficiently extolled; and WHEREAS, With faith a cornerstone of her life, Mary E. Rainey was a devout member of Mount Lebanon Baptist Church in Peekskill; she served on the Finance Committee and led the Pastor's Aide Ministry for many years up to the present time, as well as having held the position of Vice President of the Golden Saints Ministry; and WHEREAS, In her leisure time, Mary E. Rainey loved gardening, planting, and cherishing moments spent on vacation with her family; she valued community gatherings as well as cookouts in her brother-in-law Hayes' backyard in Peekskill; and WHEREAS, Mary E. Rainey lived her life following, and certainly fulfilling, the mantra "do all the good you can do," a sentiment that was passed down from her cherished grandmother; and WHEREAS, Mary E. Rainey's commitment to excellence, and her spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charitable and civic endeavors; and WHEREAS, Mary E. Rainey is survived by her mother, Irene; children, Troy (Rosie), Dorene, Charlene (James), and Ruby (Robin); brothers: Waymon, David, Terry (Florence), and Paul, Jr. (Mia); Windell (Cathy); sisters, Evelyn; and Linda (Hayes); and her cherished grandchildren, Jmal, Lisa, Andre, Keneil, Charlie, Raymona, Emma, Joycelyn, Naomi, and Letherious "LT"; and WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of compassion, Mary E. Rainey 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 Mary E. Rainey, 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 Mary E. Rainey.