Bill Text: NY J02718 | 2019-2020 | General Assembly | Introduced
Bill Title: Mourning the death of Frances Gibbs, renowned former Mayor of the City of Peekskill, distinguished citizen and devoted member of her community
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2020-02-04 - ADOPTED [J02718 Detail]
Download: New_York-2019-J02718-Introduced.html
Senate Resolution No. 2718 BY: Senator HARCKHAM MOURNING the death of Frances Gibbs, renowned former Mayor of the City of Peekskill, distinguished citizen and devoted member of her community WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow that this Legislative Body, representing the people of the State of New York, is moved this day to pay tribute to an eminent woman of indomitable faith and dedication whose public service and countless accomplishments will forever stand as a paradigm and inspiration for others; and WHEREAS, Frances Gibbs of Peekskill, New York, died on October 30, 2019, at the age of 93; and WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of Peekskill, Frances Gibbs was the daughter of Elias and Rose Schneps, who operated the Top Notch Bakery after moving to New York City from Debica, Poland in the early part of the 20th century; and WHEREAS, Frances Gibbs, affectionately known as Fran, graduated from New York University where she was the first woman to hold the position of Class President and was also Editor of the school paper; and WHEREAS, Acknowledged for her dynamic leadership, Frances Gibbs leaves behind an outstanding legacy of public service paired with her experience as a small business owner, educator and participant in a wide range of community activities; and WHEREAS, Frances Gibbs was a featured speaker at seminars and for panels on economic development, and was the proud recipient of countless civic awards both locally and nationally; and WHEREAS, After an illustrious career in education, Frances Gibbs served for eight years on the Peekskill City Council; and WHEREAS, Frances Gibbs went on to be elected as Peekskill's first woman Mayor, serving for three terms (1994-1999); during this time, her administration received state, national and international recognition for its vision, development and expansion of the Artists District including the construction of Art Lofts and Westchester Community College Digital Arts Center located in downtown Peekskill; and WHEREAS, This extraordinary woman was instrumental in the creation of Charles Point Pier Park as well as in the establishment of the Business Improvement District (BID), Peekskill Youth Bureau, Historic Park Street Flats, and the restoration of Drum Hill School as a senior assisted living facility; and WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to her community, Frances Gibbs was an active member of the Peekskill Industrial Development Agency (IDA) for many years; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, as charter board members, Frances Gibbs and her late husband Ed played an instrumental role in the development of the Paramount Center for the Arts and its impressive restoration; together, they also operated Mill Run Summer Day Camp in Shrub Oak from 1950 to 1987; and WHEREAS, Predeceased by her devoted husband of more than 50 years, The Honorable Edward M. Gibbs, and her brother Jacob "Jack" Schneps, Frances Gibbs is survived by her three sons, Donald, Stuart and Peter; daughters-in-law, Kathleen and Lisa; three grandchildren, Rachel, Ellery and Brandon; her brother Norton and sisters in-law Eve Schneps and Lucia Schneps; and WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of compassion, Frances Gibbs 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 Frances Gibbs, renowned former Mayor of Peekskill, 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 Frances Gibbs.