Senate Resolution No. 1534
BY: Senator RANZENHOFER
MOURNING the death of Lynn S. Millane, former
Amherst Town Supervisor, distinguished citizen and
devoted member of her community
WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow that this Legislative Body,
representing the people of the State of New York, is moved this day to
pay tribute to an eminent woman of indomitable faith and dedication
whose public service and countless accomplishments will forever stand as
a paradigm and inspiration for others; and
WHEREAS, Lynn S. Millane of Amherst, New York, died on Saturday, May
4, 2019; and
WHEREAS, The first woman elected to the Amherst Town Board in 1982,
Lynn S. Millane became a prominent leader in the community and devoted
decades of her life to making the town a better place; through her
advocacy for seniors and passion for helping others, she established
programs which continue to serve Amherst residents every day; and
WHEREAS, After graduating from the University at Buffalo with a
master's degree in health education, Lynn S. Millane married John
Vaughan Millane Jr. and together they raised five children, Maureen,
Michele, John, Mark and Kathleen; and
WHEREAS, During this time, Lynn S. Millane volunteered for many
organizations and was President of the E. J. Meyer Hospital Junior
Board, Women's Committee of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Amherst
Symphony Orchestra Association and the Zonta International Club of
Amherst; and
WHEREAS, When Lynn S. Millane became the first woman elected as a
council member, she was also the only member who worked full time; she
served as a council member for eight years before being appointed Deputy
Supervisor in 1990, and Town Supervisor in 1996, making her the first
woman to hold the esteemed position; and
WHEREAS, In this capacity, Lynn S. Millane served as liaison for the
Amherst Elderly Transportation Corporation, Alternate Fuel and Clean
Cities Committees, Town Energy Conservation Program, Government Studies
Committee, Amherst Chamber of Commerce and Amherst Cable TV, where she
wrote a new cable television contract for the town; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, she played a crucial role in constructing the
Main Library at Audubon, which opened in October 1987; and
WHEREAS, Lynn S. Millane made astounding advances for seniors; from
1985 to 1989, she was Director of the Network in Aging of Western New
York, and for 10 years she was Chairwoman of the Aging Services Advisory
Committee to the New York State Office for the Aging; and
WHEREAS, To improve the quality of life for residents in nursing and
retirement homes, Lynn S. Millane helped create the first long-term
ombudswoman program in Erie County; additionally, in 1984, she worked
with the Erie County Department of Senior Services and Erie County
legislators to establish the first cluster program in Amherst, Clarence,
Newstead, Akron and Williamsville; and
WHEREAS, Lynn S. Millane also established adult day care services
and updated handicapped facilities for the Clearfield Library; and
WHEREAS, Continuing to make an impact after retiring from elective
office, Lynn S. Millane was appointed a Commissioner for the New York
State Ethics Commission by former Governor George Pataki and helped
rewrite the Town's Code of Ethics; and
WHEREAS, Lynn S. Millane also served on the University at Buffalo's
Community Advisory Council for 12 years and was a trustee at Daemen
College for 19 years; and
WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to her
community, Lynn S. Millane was an active member of the Restoration
Society, the Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital Women's Group and the
Twentieth Century Club, which is considered to be one of the oldest
private women's clubs in the country; and
WHEREAS, Lynn S. Millane's longevity in municipal work earned her
numerous awards and accolades, including the Woman of Distinction Award
from the New York State Senate in 2003, Zontian of the Year, Paul Harris
Fellow Award, Outstanding Community Service Award, Amherst Police
Certificate of Appreciation, Notable American Woman of 2000, and Women's
Committee of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra's Woman of the Year; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by her beloved husband, John, Lynn S. Millane
is survived by her five children, Dr. Maureen, Michele, John III, Mark
and Kathy; 14 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Lynn S. Millane 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 Lynn S. Millane, former Amherst Town Supervisor,
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 Lynn S. Millane.