March 21st, 2024 – March is National Women's History Month, serving as a poignant reminder of the profound impact women have on their communities and on the lives they touch.

The Town of Islip takes immense pride in recognizing and celebrating the achievements, strength, and resilience of women from all walks of life. Their unwavering dedication, passion, and tireless efforts contribute to the rich tapestry of our Town, making it a better place for everyone.

To celebrate March is Women’s History Month, Town officials honored a few of the outstanding women from the community beginning with Holocaust survivor Edith Gross.

Born in Czechoslovakia in 1928, Edith Gross has lived a life of resilience, strength, and unwavering faith. Despite enduring the tragedy of losing her mother at a young age and the horrors of Nazi concentration camps during World War II, Edith never lost her sense of humanity and compassion. Her ability to find light in the darkest of times, exemplified by her generosity in sharing what she had, even when it was so little, is a testament to her indomitable spirit.

After being liberated by Allied forces, Edith embarked on a journey to rebuild her life, first in Israel and then in America. Overcoming the challenges of learning a new language and finding employment, she went on to create a beautiful family, becoming a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Edith's legacy extends beyond her family, as she has dedicated herself to educating generations about the Holocaust, sharing her profound story and message of love, kindness, and unity. As the inaugural speaker at the Town of Islip Unity Council Lunchtime Speaker Series, Edith's words and wisdom have brought light to the world, making her an inspirational figure in our community and beyond.

"For her extraordinary life, tireless efforts, and the indelible mark she has left on countless lives, it is our privilege to recognize Edith Gross," said Supervisor Angie Carpenter.

Dr. Janice McCormack has dedicated over three decades to providing exceptional cardiovascular care to the Islip community. As a highly skilled and compassionate cardiologist at South Bay Cardiovascular Associates, she has touched the lives of countless men and women, offering expert diagnosis, treatment, and preventive care for a wide range of cardiac conditions. Her areas of expertise include echocardiography, cardio-obstetrics, adult congenital disease, and cardio-oncology, showcasing her commitment to staying at the forefront of her field.

Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. McCormack has made significant contributions to the advancement of women's heart health. She played a key role in launching the Good Samaritan Hospital Women's Heart Wellness Program, which focuses on treating women of childbearing age with underlying cardiovascular disease. Her tireless efforts to educate and empower the community through adult lecture series, school health fairs, and local food pantry support demonstrate her unwavering dedication to promoting heart-healthy habits and helping those in need. Dr. McCormack's outstanding achievements, coupled with her compassion and community involvement, make her a true role model and a deserving recipient of this Women's History Month recognition. Barbara Raymond-Obas, a tireless advocate for health equity and social justice, has made a profound mark on the communities she serves. Born and raised in Brooklyn by her single mother, a West Indies immigrant, Barbara learned the value of hard work and the importance of pursuing the American dream from an early age. Working hard to pay for her college education, she earned degrees in both human services and communications, laying the foundation for her impactful career in public health and community activism.

As the Director for Policy Organizational Strategy in the Office of Diversity Equity at FOCUS, Inc., and the Civic Engagement Chair for the NAACP, Barbara has been instrumental in creating policies that have improved the health services of Black and Brown communities, protected voters' rights, and promoted equal employment opportunities. Her unwavering commitment to uniting the community is evident through her involvement in numerous organizations, such as the NY State Community Action Association, HIV Advisory Board, and Women Diversity Network. Barbara's leadership in organizing events like the National Week of Prayer, Annual Multicultural Dinner, and Nassau/Suffolk ETE - Suffolk Knows Health Fair, demonstrates her dedication to ending the HIV epidemic, combating stigma, and promoting health screening and testing. Her belief that it takes a village to raise tomorrow's leaders inspires her tireless efforts to create a more equitable and just society for all.

Phyllis Boccio, a decorated EMT with an impressive 34 years of dedicated service to the Holbrook Fire Department, has made significant contributions to her community. Throughout her career, Phyllis has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to saving lives and ensuring the safety of those in need. Her exceptional skills and compassionate nature have earned her numerous accolades, including several Life-Saving Awards from the Holbrook Fire Department and a prestigious Life-Saving Award from the American Red Cross. Phyllis's expertise and leadership have been invaluable to the department, as evidenced by her roles as Second Lieutenant, First Lieutenant, and Captain, as well as her tireless efforts in mentoring and training incoming EMTs since 1991.

Phyllis's passion for serving others knows no bounds, as demonstrated by her remarkable response rate and dedication to her duties. In 2023 alone, she responded to an astounding 623 EMS alarms, 86 motor vehicle accidents, and 588 fire alarms, while also participating in 481 ambulance rides. Phyllis's commitment to her community is truly unparalleled. Even at the age of 80, she continues to re-certify as an EMT, showcasing her lifelong dedication to this noble profession.

Phyllis Boccio's selfless service, extraordinary achievements, and unwavering devotion to saving lives make her a shining example of the impact one person can have on their community, and a most deserving honoree for our Town’s Women's History celebration.