Resolution 132-2005
Mavor Dixie M. Spehar
Resolution No. 132 -2005
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY IN
RECOGNITION OF THE LATE MERILI HILTON McCOY
WHEREAS, Merili McCoy, Commissioner of the City of Key West for the past ten
years, wife of County Commissioner Charles "Sonny" McCoy, matriarch of a large family, and
wonderful friend to many, passed away on April 9, 2005; and
WHEREAS, Merili's love for Key West, its residents, architectural and botanical beauty,
history, and the Keys environment began when, at age nine, her family moved to Key West for
her father, Captain Carl Hilton, to assume the top-ranking Coast Guard position in Key West;
and
WHEREAS, Merili had a generosity of spirit for every person who crossed her path, and
great passion for her family, her adopted home town, and all who have dwelled therein; and
WHEREAS, the community mourns her loss and has exhibited its heartfelt sympathy for
her extensive family, including "Sonny" and MeriWs six children Dulce Arnold, Felicia McCoy,
Peter McCoy, Tim McCoy, Sean McCoy, and Mimi Grantham, along with their spouses,
children and grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Merili' s strength of character kept her in the forefront of local issues and
projects until the very end, notwithstanding the toll taken by serious illness; now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA:
Section 1: Hereby adopts this Resolution as an expression to the family of their
deepest sympathy in the passing of the late Merili McCoy.
Section 2: Hereby recognizes and honors Merili McCoy for her unfailing devotion to
her family, community, and friends as exemplified by the following:
Merili mentored and nurtured six children, numerous grandchildren and great-
grandchildren, and countless friends, especially imparting her views of life, responsibility,
loyalty, and her immense love for gardening and the environment;
Meri1i, as the niece of hotel mogul Conrad Hilton and the daughter of a Coast Guard
officer, traveled extensively from her early childhood throughout her life, and lived in pre-Castro
Cuba with her husband and family, but always considered Key West home;
Merili founded the City of Key West Tree Commission and was appointed to serve that
commission in 1971 when it was established, as well as served on the Florida Keys Historic
Preservation Task Force;
Merili was a member of the Zonta Club of Key West for twenty years, serving as its ninth
president when the Key West arm of the international service organization sponsored a new
Zonta club in Marathon, and mentored other Zontians even after her City Commission activities
greatly reduced the time she had to dedicate to Zonta;
Merili, as a member of the Sunshine Rotary Club since 1988, served energetically in
City-wide events sponsored by Sunshine Rotary and actively participated in the Club's work at
the District level and its international pursuits;
Merili served on the Monroe County Tourist Development Council from July 1992 until
August, 1994, as a lodging representative while managing a motel on Hilton Haven;
Merili served on the City Commission of Key West from 1995 until her death, attending
meetings of all appointed boards of the City, studying all issues faced by the City Commission,
and was indefatigable in her promotion and support of many projects and causes which would
benefit the people of Key West, most notably: beautification of the City Marina at Garrison
Bight, landscaping and preserving the trees and natural environment of Key West, encouraging
pedestrian and bicycle paths, and seeking solutions for the homeless;
Merili always maintained her integrity and never flinched from taking the lone path in
carrying out her responsibilities on each of the public bodies which she served once she
determined that hers was the right path;
Merili, despite all of her commitments to family and her public service, also found time
weekly to serve the community for many years as a Helpline volunteer;
Merili was selfless in her devotion to family and friends, holding huge holiday dinners
and always finding time to spend with someone in need of a hand to hold or interested in
receiving a tidbit ofMerili's vast knowledge of Key West's history;
Merili was truly the Renaissance woman, and memories of her will always be cherished
by those fortunate enough to have known her.
Section 3: Hereby directs the Clerk to forward to the family ofMerili McCoy a copy of
this Resolution expressing the Board's sorrow.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida,
at a meeting of said Board held on the 20th day of April, A.D., 2005.
Yes
Yes
Ypr:;:
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By