Marie Marshall, former Hicksville Middle School principal and longtime resident, passed away on Jan. 15 from complications caused by lung cancer. She was 64 years old.

Ms. Marshall earned her bachelor of science degree, master of science degree and professional diploma from Queens College and studied educational research design at Hofstra University. In addition, she held certifications as a general science teacher, chemistry teacher and school district administrator.

In 1963, she married Edward J. Marshall, Jr. and the couple lived in Corona, Queens until moving to Hicksville in late 1965. Ms. Marshall began her career as a teacher in the New York City Public Schools before becoming chairperson of the Hicksville School District's science department in 1980. Over the next seven years, she served as science chairperson, coordinator of gifted and talented instruction and supervisor of enrichment programs. In 1987, Ms. Marshall was named assistant principal, a position she held for five years. In 1992, when Gerald Klein retired as principal, the Hicksville Board of Education immediately appointed Ms. Marshall his successor. She served in this capacity until her retirement in 1997 after 17 years with the Hicksville School District.

Throughout her career in Hicksville, Ms. Marshall was instrumental in establishing interdisciplinary teams, the 10th period enrichment program and bringing the Paideia Program to the middle school, an accomplishment for which she received recognition from the University of North Carolina. Under her leadership, Hicksville Middle School became a participant in the Regents Challenge Program and Ms. Marshall was recognized by the New York State Education Department for her role in this accomplishment as well as for hosting programs for other school districts interested in the program. As if being an educator and principal wasn't enough, Ms. Marshall also found time to author a science textbook, Globe Physical Science, and write an education science series for Newsday.

"Ms. Marshall's accomplishments during her employment in the Hicksville Public Schools were many. Her personal characteristics of honesty and integrity influenced the quality of her leadership and the manner in which the middle school staff executed their responsibilities and accepted the many challenges that they faced. She was viewed by staff and administration as an effective facilitator, coach and mentor," said Superintendent of Hicksville Schools Maureen Bright. "Throughout her tenure in the school district, regardless of the position that she held, Ms. Marshall was well respected. She established a reputation as a good listener, strong communicator and fair administrator. Our students, staff and community were very fortunate to have the opportunity to benefit from Mrs. Marshall's tremendous commitment, high standards and expertise. Her memory will live on in the accomplishments of those whose lives she touched."

Richard Pfaender, who served on the school board at the time Ms. Marshall was promoted to principal, said, "Ms. Marshall was an exemplary person and an exemplary educator. She was, in my opinion, always about excellence [and] Hicksville Middle School, under Ms. Marshall, was excellence."

Helen Lafferty, who also served on the board during several years of Ms. Marshall's tenure, added, "I always thought she was outstanding, not only as a principal, but as a human being as well. Her main course was always for the children of Hicksville. She really was a child advocate."

In her eulogy, Ms. Marshall's goddaughter Elizabeth Santoriello of Medford said, "Aunt Marie was my mentor, my friend and a constant source of love and support that came in any way and at any time that I needed it. No one could ever have made me feel more special. It's hard to express to people who didn't know Aunt Marie how special she was; how important she was to so many of us. I believe that Aunt Marie was a perfect example of what family love and support is."

She added, "There will always be so many memories that pop into our minds to remind us how amazing she was, and how lucky we were ... She had such a great appreciation for life. She helped you to see the beauty in things - in art, in books, in nature, among other things. She had the ability to see in things what most people couldn't. She had that same ability with people. She was such a good listener and she truly was interested in everything that you had to say. If she asked you about something, it was because she really wanted to know the answer."

According to Santoriello, Ms. Marshall lived a very fulfilling life, albeit too short a life. "We should all do everything we can to try to enjoy and cherish life - she would want nothing less for us."

Ms. Marhsall is survived by her husband, Edward J. Jr., and son, Edward J., III, both of Las Vegas. The family was cared for by the Thomas F. Dalton Funeral Home and Interment took place on Jan. 23 at Calverton National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a favorite book be donated to the Hicksville Public Library.