Bill Text: NY K00610 | 2021-2022 | General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Celebrating the life and legacy of Mildred L. Speers, meritorious United States Army Nurse and French Legion of Honor Medal recipient

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2022-03-02 - adopted [K00610 Detail]

Download: New_York-2021-K00610-Introduced.html

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Assembly Resolution No. 610

BY: M. of A. McMahon

        CELEBRATING  the  life  and  legacy  of Mildred L.
        Speers, meritorious United  States  Army  Nurse  and
        French Legion of Honor Medal recipient

  WHEREAS, It is with feelings of deepest regret that this Legislative
Body  records  the  passing  of  Mildred L. Speers, a preeminent citizen
whose distinguished service and caring commitment  will  long  serve  as
standards to which others might aspire; and

  WHEREAS,  Mildred  L.  Speers of Clarence, New York, died on Friday,
January 21, 2022, at the remarkable age of 100; and

  WHEREAS, Born on June 12, 1921, Mildred Budimirovich,  affectionally
known  as  Millie,  was  a native of Lackawanna, New York; she graduated
from Buffalo State Hospital's School of Nursing in 1942,  preparing  her
for an esteemed life of medical service; and

  WHEREAS,  In  November  of  1945,  Mildred and the love of her life,
Harold W.  Speers, were united in marriage in New York City; and

  WHEREAS, Inspired by the untimely death of her brother  Bernard  who
served  in  the  8th  Air  Force, Mildred L. Speers valiantly served her
country as a member of the United States First Army assigned to the 96th
Evacuation Hospital in the European theater during World War II; and

  WHEREAS, During her illustrious military career, Mildred  L.  Speers
served  in Belgium, Holland and France, among other places, and achieved
the revered rank of First Lieutenant; and

  WHEREAS, Upon her honorable discharge in  1946,  Mildred  L.  Speers
worked  as  an  emergency  room  nurse  at Millard Fillmore Gates Circle
Hospital; furthermore, a woman of indomitable faith and dedication,  she
was an avid and proud member of the Christ the King parish for 62 years,
serving  its  Rosary  and Altar Society and knitting countless baptismal
shawls for infants; and

  WHEREAS, A dedicated member of  her  community,  Mildred  L.  Speers
served  as  Treasurer  and  Secretary of her Senior Bowling leagues; she
enjoyed golfing with her friends and gardening, as well  as  caring  for
her grandchildren, great grandchildren and her beloved pet puppies; and

  WHEREAS, In December of 2019, at the age of 98 years old, Mildred L.
Speers received the French Legion of Honor Medal, Chevalier, the highest
French  order of merit, for risking her life to aid in the liberation of
France; and

  WHEREAS, Predeceased by her husband in 2010, Mildred  L.  Speers  is
survived  by  her  son,  Craig Edward Speers; her daughter, Kimberly Ann
Speers; two grandchildren;  three  great-grandchildren;  and  a  sister,
Helen Russo; and

  WHEREAS,  Mildred  L.  Speers' 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, Mildred L. Speers 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
celebrate the life and legacy of Mildred L. Speers, 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 Mildred L. Speers.