Mourning the death of Freddi Macek, distinguished citizen and devoted member of her community

Senate Resolution No. 1939

BY: Senator COONEY

        MOURNING  the death of Freddi Macek, 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  endeavors
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and

  WHEREAS,  Attendant  to  such  concern,  and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to mourn
the death of Freddi Macek, distinguished citizen and devoted  member  of
her community; and

  WHEREAS,  On August 21, 1940, Freddi Macek was born to Frederick and
Julianna Macek in Utica, New York, and grew up with two sisters,  Susann
and  Jayne;  she  worked  at  a  local  bakery  while going to school at
Whitesboro High School; and

  WHEREAS, After graduating from high school,  Freddi  Macek  received
her bachelor's degree in social studies from Utica College and completed
her graduate work in early childhood education; and

  WHEREAS, Freddi Macek spent her entire 33-year career as a 2nd-grade
teacher  in  the  Rochester  City School District, touching thousands of
lives and acting as a staunch  advocate  for  her  students  and  fellow
teachers; she tirelessly stood up for anyone and everyone; and

  WHEREAS,  Upon  retirement, Freddi Macek did not slow down; instead,
she became an even stronger and more dedicated labor union advocate; for
years, she worked with the Rochester Teachers Association (RTA) and  the
New  York  State  United  Teachers  (NYSUT)  and  held  both elected and
appointed positions, including that of Vice-President of the RTA; and

  WHEREAS, Freddi Macek continued her union work as Labor Liaison  for
NYSUT Retiree Council 5; she also held the position of Rochester Central
Labor   Council   AFL/CIO   Retiree   Committee  Chair  Coordinator  and
passionately led the Rochester area election phone banks; and

  WHEREAS, Even in her 80s, Freddi Macek would  routinely  travel  for
hours  to  make presentations to retiree conferences and union meetings;
she shaped the union's path and inspired generations of members with her
determination and compassion; and

  WHEREAS, Freddi Macek is  survived  by  her  niece,  Lisa,  and  her
husband,  Chris  Davis; and her nephew, Joel Meyers; she was predeceased
by her parents, Frederick and Julianna Macek; sisters, Jayne Meyers  and
Susann Mlynarski; and brother-in-law, Ray Mlynarski; and

  WHEREAS,  Known  for  her  patience,  humor,  and boundless passion,
Freddi Macek's legacy will perpetuate through every  student,  educator,
advocate,  and  friend  she  inspired; this community-minded, organized,
determined, fun, and energetic teacher, union advocate, and leader  will
be immensely missed by all who were fortunate to know her; and


  WHEREAS, Freddi Macek distinguished herself in her profession and by
her  dedication and contribution to the welfare of her community, State,
and Nation; and

  WHEREAS, It is  the  sense  of  this  Legislative  Body  that  those
dedicated  individuals who devote their lives to the betterment of their
communities  are  worthy  and  due  praise  for  their  commitment   and
endeavors; and

  WHEREAS,  Armed  with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Freddi Macek leaves a legacy which will endure  the  passage
of  time  and  remain  a  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  Freddi  Macek,  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 Freddi Macek.