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A Community Love Story
Monday, March 29, 2010

By Rose S. Prinzi

Valentine’s Day seems to be an appropriate time to think about those special individuals and places we hold dear to our hearts. 

 

In his amiable way, Stanley Weeks undeniably demonstrated his great love for his wife, Sarita and of his community by establishing several funds at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. Through these designated funds, Mr. Weeks was able to generate a lasting memorial to his wife and create perpetual gifts to the community.

 

Stanley Weeks was born and raised in Jamestown.  He met his future wife, Sarita, when she was only eight years old. Although she did not grow up or live in the States, through the years, Stan and Sarita kept in contact. A friendship that began in their childhood blossomed into a mutual admiration. Twenty-five years later, they were married. Their union spanned over 58 years. Their story of commitment to each other and to our community is an epic one.

 

Sarita was born in Mexico City, Mexico. Her father was a civil engineer for the Mexican government. She was encouraged “to be exceptional: do exceptional things, be intelligent, dress beautifully.” Sarita was all these things and more.  Her passion for knowledge led her to earning her Ph.D. from Yale. She made an extraordinary impact on an ordinary region with her generous donations to various museums and art galleries.  She brought the world and its cultures to our community through her travels choosing countries generally not known to exist. She was a life-long learner and a vivacious and generous lady.

 

Stanley was a brilliant, generous, kind, and delightful man.  He graduated from Jamestown High School, attended Colgate University, Cornell University Law School, and graduated from George Washington University and University of Buffalo School of Law. After serving four years in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he returned home to practice law.  

 

His interests were wide and varied.  Some of his pursuits included the formation of the Braw Caddie Clan Fraternity at Jamestown High School, representing his Scottish heritage. He was an ardent master of Mt. Moriah Lodge F&AM, master of Justice Robert H. Jackson Lodge of Research, master of the Scottish Rite Lodge of Perfection, life member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and served on the board of the Chautauqua County Fair Association.

  

Stanley’s first love, though, was his wife, Sarita.  He unconditionally and lovingly supported her many projects. He was the quiet strength behind Sarita’s undertakings.

 

In memory of his wife, Stanley established two funds at the Foundation, the Sarita Hopkins Weeks Excellence in Music and the Sarita Hopkins Weeks Fine Arts Fund.

 

With his commitment and love of community, Mr. Weeks established additional funds to support Mt. Moriah Lodge, Braw Caddie Clan Scholarship, Robert H. Jackson Center, and 4-H participants. These funds are as diverse as the man who established them.

 

Yes, there are many types of love. Stanley, with his dedication to his wife and community, left a legacy of love sprinkled throughout our area that will live on for generations to come. It is a love story that will continue well into the future.      

 

If you have a passion or special interest and would like to support it by establishing a fund or giving to an already existing one, contact the Foundation at 661-3390 or go to www.crcfonline.org to see the many funds we do have available.

 

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