Mary Vallati, an outspoken and tireless member of the Norwood and Bedford Park communities for the past several decades, was rendered nearly

speechless when she received two surprise proclamations for her outstanding community service last week.

Members of the 52nd Precinct Community Council, of which Vallati, 95, has been a member since the 1970s, organized the proclamation presentation without telling the honoree.

During the council meeting last Thursday night at Scott Tower, Vallati sat in the front row while a group of family and friends gathered in the corner of the room, waiting patiently to unleash the surprise, which didn’t come until an hour and a half into the meeting.

Representatives for Councilman Fernando Cabrera and State Senator Gustavo Rivera each presented Vallati with separate proclamations. Cabrera’s chief of staff Greg Faulkner called Vallati one of the “jewels in the crown” of this community.

“I don’t know what to say,” said Vallati, who is also a longtime member of the Bedford Mosholu Community Association. Later, she did say, “I’m proud of the work we do. It’s been keeping me going all these years.”

Fellow council member Grace Siemer said, “We need more Marys in young people. A lot of people complain but don’t come through and participate.”