Senate Resolution No. 1311
BY: Senator MAY
MOURNING the death of Charlotte "Chuckie"
Holstein, distinguished citizen, committed civic
leader, 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 endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and this
great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Charlotte "Chuckie" Holstein of Central New York, died on
Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at the age of 100; and
WHEREAS, Born to Morris and Esther Garelick in 1925, Chuckie
Holstein was raised as the youngest of six children in Rochester, New
York; and
WHEREAS, An alumnus of SUNY Brockport, Chuckie Holstein was the
first in her family to graduate college, and in 1946 she made the move
to Syracuse, New York, after marrying her late husband, Alex Holstein;
and
WHEREAS, With a passion for public service, Chuckie Holstein began
her career as a teacher, and she quickly became a self-described
"citizen trustee" in Central New York, which is an individual who
engages in everyday acts of service; and
WHEREAS, When Chuckie Holstein entered public service, she was often
one of the few women amongst male decision-makers; this disparity
inspired her to commit to elevating women and expanding opportunities
for future generations of leaders; and
WHEREAS, Chuckie Holstein devoted her life to civic engagement,
women's leadership, and community improvement; her efforts helped create
Meals on Wheels and she was a co-founder of Leadership Greater Syracuse
and FOCUS Greater Syracuse, which are two programs that train and
inspire generations of local leaders; and
WHEREAS, Chuckie Holstein's commitment to excellence and her spirit
of humanity carried over into all fields of enterprise, including
charitable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Chuckie Holstein's leadership guided dozens of boards
focused on education, health care, the arts, elder care, neighborhood
development, and human rights; she served as a leader with the American
Jewish Committee and the Jacob Blaustein Institute for Human Rights; and
WHEREAS, As a champion of inclusiveness, democracy, and community
responsibility, Chuckie Holstein traveled the world representing
Syracuse, the United States, and women at international conferences; and
WHEREAS, A recognized servant leader and visionary, Chuckie Holstein
received numerous honors, including honorary doctorates from Le Moyne
College and Syracuse University, and she earned SUNY Brockport's Hall of
Heritage award; and
WHEREAS, Chuckie Holstein is survived by her four loving children
and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Chuckie Holstein 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 Charlotte "Chuckie" Holstein, distinguished citizen,
committed public servant, 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 Charlotte "Chuckie" Holstein.
