Senate Resolution No. 353
BY: Senator HINCHEY
MOURNING the death of Frances G. Tonko, beloved
friend, mother and pillar in 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 the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, It is with feelings of deepest regret that this Legislative
Body records the passing of Frances G. Tonko, an extraordinary woman of
indomitable faith and dedication whose purposeful life will long serve
as a standard to which others might aspire; and
WHEREAS, Frances G. Tonko of Amsterdam, New York, died on Sunday,
January 24, 2021, at the age of 99; and
WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of Amsterdam, Frances G. Tonko was born
on April 16, 1921; she was the beloved daughter of Boleslaw and Karolyna
Bik Grajewski; and
WHEREAS, A 1937 graduate of Wilbur H. Lynch High School, Frances G.
Tonko later went on to continue her post graduate studies; and
WHEREAS, Frances and Stanley C. Tonko were united in marriage on
June 21, 1947; the couple shared 68 wonderful years together until
Stanley passed away on June 28, 2015; and
WHEREAS, A woman of many talents, Frances G. Tonko distinguished
herself in her profession and by her sincere dedication and substantial
contribution to the welfare of her community; she was employed by the
Selective Service System and later worked for the Amsterdam Insurance
Agency until her retirement in 1976; and
WHEREAS, This devout woman was a member of St. Stanislaus Church and
the Ladies Rosary Society; she was also a member of the St. Mary's Club
60 and a past member of the Montgomery County Women's Democratic Club,
as well as New York Blood Donor of the Year; and
WHEREAS, Frances G. Tonko 's commitment to excellence, and her
spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise,
including charitable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Frances G. Tonko took great pride in her vegetable and
flower gardens; she was a celebrated baker and cook; her food was always
in demand, and her delicious pierogi, lasagna, babka bread, and lemon
meringue pie were loved by all; she was also an avid lover of animals,
particularly her own, Victor and Vanessa; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by her husband, Stanley; her brother, Joseph
(Elizabeth); her sister, Jessie (John); and a sister-in-law, Victoria
(Edward); Frances G. Tonko is survived by her two children, Patricia
Tonko and United States Congressman Paul D. Tonko; niece and
goddaughter, Gayle; niece, Diane; and two nephews, Edward and Richard;
as well as four grandnieces, one grandnephew and two great-grandnieces;
and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Frances G. Tonko 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 Frances G. Tonko, beloved friend, mother, and pillar
in her community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Frances G. Tonko.
