Senate Resolution No. 2240
BY: Senator HARCKHAM
MOURNING the death of Deborah O. Ramsey, devoted
community volunteer, cherished church member, and
distinguished member of her community
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor the lives
of those distinguished citizens whose compassion, service, and
dedication left a lasting imprint upon their families, communities, and
the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Deborah O. Ramsey, a longtime resident of Croton-on-Hudson,
New York, died on February 1, 2026, at the age of 72; and
WHEREAS, Born on April 10, 1953, in Greensboro, North Carolina,
Deborah Ramsey was the daughter of Jeannette Foster Osborne and William
C. Osborne; and
WHEREAS, In 1963, Deborah Ramsey moved with her family to
Huntington, Long Island, where she completed her secondary education and
began laying the foundation for a life devoted to learning, service, and
community engagement; and
WHEREAS, Deborah Ramsey pursued higher education at the University
of North Carolina and later earned degrees in English and Journalism
from Stony Brook University, reflecting her lifelong appreciation for
communication, education, and the written word; and
WHEREAS, In 1978, Deborah Ramsey married her beloved husband, Robert
Ramsey, whom she met while working together at Underwriter's
Laboratories in Melville, Long Island, and together they built a loving
family and enduring partnership; and
WHEREAS, Deborah and Robert Ramsey made their home in Huntington in
1980, where they raised their three sons, Logan, Tristan, and Brennan,
and shared their lives with a beloved array of animals, including
Alaskan Malamutes, Irish Wolfhounds, and numerous rescued companions;
and
WHEREAS, A devoted mother and wife, Deborah Ramsey placed family at
the center of her life and nurtured her children with unwavering love,
guidance, and support; and
WHEREAS, Deborah Ramsey was a committed and active member of her
faith community, serving as a Sunday School teacher for 25 years and
singing in the choir at St. John's Episcopal Church, where she also
contributed her time and talents to church life and fellowship; and
WHEREAS, Her musical gifts and dedication to service led her to join
the Huntington Choral Society, a distinguished ensemble of more than one
hundred voices, with whom she sang until 2006; and
WHEREAS, After relocating to Croton-on-Hudson, New York, Deborah
Ramsey became an active member of St. Augustine's Episcopal Church,
where she continued her lifelong devotion to worship through choir
participation, service on the Altar Guild, and work as a Lay Eucharist
Minister; and
WHEREAS, Deborah Ramsey was deeply committed to community engagement
and volunteerism, embodying a spirit of service in all aspects of her
life; and
WHEREAS, A passionate advocate for cycling, she became an
enthusiastic member of the Westchester Cycle Club, where she led rides,
taught bicycle safety to children, and served as a joyful ambassador for
the health and communal benefits of cycling; her annual Halloween rides
became cherished community events, bringing together as many as one
hundred participants in celebration and fellowship; and
WHEREAS, Deborah Ramsey also dedicated herself to helping those in
need through her volunteer service with Westchester Meals on Wheels,
delivering meals to elderly residents and providing companionship that
often became the highlight of their week; and
WHEREAS, Known for her optimism, warmth, compassion, and unwavering
kindness, Deborah Ramsey brought joy and encouragement to all who had
the privilege of knowing her; and
WHEREAS, Her life was marked by generosity of spirit, steadfast
support of others, and a boundless capacity for love, leaving a legacy
of kindness that will continue to inspire all who were touched by her
presence; and
WHEREAS, Deborah Ramsey is survived by her loving husband, Robert
Ramsey; her sons, Logan, Tristan, and Brennan; and a wide circle of
family, friends, fellow parishioners, and community members who will
forever cherish her memory; and
WHEREAS, The passing of Deborah O. Ramsey represents a profound loss
to her family, her faith community, and the many lives she enriched
through her service and friendship; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Deborah O. Ramsey, recognizing with deep appreciation
her lifelong dedication to family, faith, and community service, and
extending heartfelt condolences to her family and all who mourn her
passing; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Deborah O. Ramsey.
