Recently, many Mineola residents and members of the Mineola school community were greatly saddened by the news that Marjorie Kubat had passed away. The Mineola Board of Education put together a special commemorative event honoring Mrs. Kubat for her years of dedication to the Mineola School District that was conducted at the Public Board meeting on Dec. 14 in the Middle School Music Room.

Mrs. Marjorie Kubat served as a Mineola Board of Education trustee, vice-president and president in a continuous span of service which extended from July of 1982 to June of 1994. According to Dr. Harry Jaroslaw, superintendent of schools, "If there is one word which describes her relationship with the Mineola Schools, it is commitment." Mrs. Kubat's record of service bears him out. An active PTA member, at various times she contributed to their newspaper, served as corresponding secretary, recording secretary, vice president, president and teacher recognition chairperson. Mrs. Kubat was a member of the Cross St. PTA and was recording secretary for the middle school PTA. In 1985, she received their PTA Jenkins Award for Distinguished Service to the middle school. She also served on the HS PTSA, the District Council, and even served three years on the Nassau District PTA. In 1992, Mrs. Kubat received the PTA Distinguished Service Award. Marge, as she is known to everyone, was also a community member on the Middle States Evaluation team.

She was an original member of the Building Utilization Committee, which eventually became the Long Range Planning Committee. Marge served on Long Range Planning for over six years and continued her commitment by becoming a member of the Strategic Planning Team as well. Mrs. Kubat also served on School Lunch, Adult Ed., and Budget Advisory Committees. She often said, "I have served on them all at least once."

Her work as legislative liaison brought Marge much enjoyment. She met with federal and state legislators and lobbied in Washington for pro education legislation. She attended state and federal legislative forums, keeping up with legislation, corresponding with senators and the governor. She actively supported Save Harmless legislation and was a staunch fighter for increased state and federal aid. "The property-owning senior citizens can't handle these costs alone," she argued. "The legislators are supportive. The stumbling block seems to be in front of the Governor's mansion."

Marge also taught religion for 35 years. It was in church that Marge first met her husband Jack who, recently back from the service, saw Marge as a Sunday School instructor.

Marge was a constant visitor and attendee at school events and meetings and once estimated that she spent some 700 hours a year at school functions.

She frequently stated that some of her fondest memories involved watching students entering kindergarten and then years later receiving their diplomas as young adults.

Marge is survived by her husband Jack and three sons, Mark, Peter and Steven. The boys are all graduates of the Mineola schools.