ALLEGANY COUNTY, N.Y. — Jim Raptis, 94, served on the Allegany County Board of Legislators for 14 years, including a stint as chairman. That's where he first met legislative newcomer Delores Cross in 1981.

"It was a wonderful experience, absolutely wonderful, to have that caliber person on board. Soft-spoken. She never raised her voice. Always concerned about her people in Cuba and her district," Raptis said.

Years later, Cross was the first woman to serve as Legislative Chair of the Allegany County board. There, she created the post of County Administrator.

She's credited with helping beautify the streets of Cuba and was involved in a number of community organizations.

"She was very active. Very well known. The fact that it was Delores was more significant than the fact that she was a woman, Delores was an unusual person in all respects. She had it all. So, from that point of view it was a tremendous thing," Raptis said.

Cuba historian David Crowley was also good friends with Delores.

"She was a very lovely and energetic type person. Her ambition and her energy was contagious," said Crowley.

Because of that, Cross was the first woman to receive the Cuba Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year award in 1976..

"She was very deserving because she had accomplished a lot for our community. Everything had to be just right all the time. Kept an immaculate home and had a wonderful little family," said Criowley

Cross passed away in 2020. Her death, Raptis says, is a loss to the county and the community she called home. He calls her a role model who laid the groundwork for countless others.

"There are other women on the legislative body now that maybe became legislators because Delores lead the way," said Raptis.

Cross was also honored as a Woman of Distinction by the state senate.