Bill Text: VA HR90 | 2024 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of Amy Kristina McFarland.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2024-02-12 - Bill text as passed House (HR90ER) [HR90 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2024-HR90-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, Amy Kristina McFarland, an inspirational member of the Winchester community, died on July 20, 2023; and
WHEREAS, Amy McFarland grew up in Winchester, where she graduated from James Wood High School, and she continued her education at what is now Laurel Ridge Community College; and
WHEREAS, Amy McFarland worked as a greeter at a Walmart Supercenter for 18 years and was a member of the Service Employees International Union; she never met a stranger and brought joy to everyone who knew her through her kindness, cheerful sense of humor, and positivity; and
WHEREAS, Amy McFarland overcame several challenges with her health and disabilities to remain an active and engaged member of the community, participating in many fundraisers and charitable events; and
WHEREAS, in 2010, Amy McFarland and her mother, Mary, were invited to the White House by President Barack Obama in recognition of their passionate advocacy on behalf of elderly and disabled individuals; and
WHEREAS, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Amy McFarland purchased supplies to make bracelets, necklaces, and keychains, and generously donated them to employees at Winchester Medical Center; and
WHEREAS, Amy McFarland was also a champion for animals who supported the Winchester SPCA and dreamed of opening a shelter for homeless animals; she was proud when her dog, Bailey Rain, won the Winchester SPCA Calendar Contest and was featured in the organization's 2023 calendar; and
WHEREAS, outside of her career and volunteer advocacy, Amy McFarland enjoyed participating in pageants and achieved success at local, state, and national levels; she appeared in several Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festivals as a pageant winner; and
WHEREAS, in addition to winning many awards and accolades for her talents and achievements, Amy McFarland was featured in many Winchester Star articles and was interviewed on local television; she was honored to provide sign language interpretation for the National Anthem during a National Football League game between what is now the Washington Commanders and the Philadelphia Eagles in 2012; and
WHEREAS, Amy McFarland will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by numerous family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Amy Kristina McFarland, a vibrant member of the Winchester community; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Amy Kristina McFarland as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for her memory.
