J 483: Mourning the death of Waveney Saul Duke, distinguished citizen and devoted member of her community

 Senate Resolution No. 483 BY: Senator PARKER MOURNING the death of Waveney Saul Duke, distinguished citizen and devoted member of her community WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who, through their selfless commitment and dedication, have served to better the quality of life in our community and have had a measurable positive impact on the lives of its residents; Waveney Saul Duke was one such individual; and WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this Legislative Body records the passing of Waveney Saul Duke, noting the significance of her purposeful life and accomplishments; and WHEREAS, Waveney Saul Duke of Brooklyn, New York, died on February 6, 2025, at the age of 94; and WHEREAS, Waveney Saul Duke was born on April 8, 1930, in Victoria, Guyana, the second child of the late Mildred (Melville) and Patrick Saul; and WHEREAS, Having attended Cove & John Episcopal Primary School, the Carnegie School of Home Economics, and the Georgetown Public Hospital School of Nursing, Waveney Saul Duke was well educated and developed a passion for nursing and caring for others; and WHEREAS, For many years she worked at Georgetown Public Hospital in the Ears, Nose, and Throat unit and as a midwife in the rural areas of Guyana; and WHEREAS, On February 23, 1957, Waveney married Gordon Duke, a sergeant in the Guyana Police, and together they shared the joy of raising six children, Avis, Melvin, Malcolm, Michelle, Morton, and Mark; and WHEREAS, Upon moving to the United States of America in 1972 to pursue better opportunities for her family, Waveney Saul Duke worked as a registered nurse at the Jewish Home and Hospital for the Aged until her retirement; and WHEREAS, Waveney Saul Duke was fulfilled by enriching the lives of others; she was an avid Unity member, a devout member of Saint Augustine's Episcopal Church, and a passionate traveler that had the privilege of visiting nearly every continent; and WHEREAS, Waveney Saul Duke is survived by her children, Melvin, Malcolm, Michelle, Morton, and Mark; daughters-in-law, Charmaine and Betty; 11 grandchildren, Chinua, Jelani, Chidi, Adisa, Jann-Kheri, Allissa, Chuma, Chad, Damani, Makenna, and Channer; great-granddaughter, Amara; her siblings, George, Sybil, James, Hugh, Aubrey, Desmond, and Edgar; and in-laws, Venice, Joyce, Brenda and Ruth; as well as a multiplicity of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and friends; she is predeceased by her child, Avis; and siblings, Doreen, Mazle-Mae, and Pansy; and WHEREAS, Waveney Saul Duke's infinite selflessness and benevolence will shine on through her family's vivid and happy memories; her insight and strength will forever serve as a beacon of love, light and hope to the countless lives she touched; and WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of compassion, Waveney Saul Duke leaves behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all who were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing woman; she will be deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of Waveney Saul Duke, and to express its deepest condolences to her family; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Waveney Saul Duke.