The Town of Islip celebrated and honored a few of the outstanding women from our community on Tuesday, March 19, at 2 p.m., during their Women’s History Celebration. Among the women honored for their excellence were Edith Gross, Dr. Janice McCormack, Barbara Raymond-Obas, and Phyllis Boccio.

“The Town of Islip takes immense pride in recognizing and celebrating the achievements, strengths and resilience of women from all walks of life,” said supervisor Angie Carpenter as she welcomed attendees to the Women’s History Celebration. “Their unwavering dedication, passion, and tireless efforts contribute to the rich tapestry of our town, making it a better place for everyone.”

Edith Gross

Carpenter first introduced Edith Gross, who has lived a life of resilience, strength, and unwavering faith. Born in Czechoslovakia, Gross experienced the tragedy of losing her mother at a young age and the horrors of a Nazi concentration camps during World War II.

“Edith never lost her sense of humanity and compassion,” shared Carpenter. “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, Gross rebuilt her life in Israel before coming to America. Gross has dedicated her life to sharing her story and educating generations about the Holocaust, experienced firsthand by the town board, as Gross was the inaugural speaker of the Town of Islip Unity Council’s Lunchtime Speaker Series.

Dr. Janice McCormack

Councilman James O’Connor introduced Dr. Janice McCormack, who 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. Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. McCormack has made significant contributions to the advancements 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.

Barbara Raymond-Obas

Councilman Jorge Guadrón introduced Barbara Raymond-Obas, a tireless advocate for health equity and social justice. Born and raised in Brooklyn by her single mother, a West Indian immigrant, Raymond-Obas learned the value of hard work and the importance of pursuing the American dream. Working hard to pay for her college education, she earned degrees in both human services and communications.

As the director for policy organizational strategy in the Office of Diversity Equity at FOCUS Inc., and the Civic Engagement chair for the NAACP, Raymond-Obas 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. Raymond-Obas’s leadership in organizing events like the National Week of Prayer, annual Multicultural Dinner, and Nassau/Suffolk ETE - Suffolk Knows Health Fair, demonstrate her dedication to ending the HIV epidemic, combating stigma, and promoting health screening and testing.

Phyllis Boccio

Councilman John Lorenzo introduced the decorated EMT Phyllis Boccio, whose impressive 34 years of dedicated service to the Holbrook Fire Department has made significant contributions to her community.  Her exceptional skills and compassionate nature have earned her numerous accolades, including several lifesaving awards from the Holbrook Fire Department and a prestigious lifesaving award from the American Red Cross. Her passion for serving others knows no bounds, evidenced by her roles as second lieutenant, first lieutenant, and captain, and demonstrated by her remarkable response rate and dedication to her duties. In 2023 alone, she responded to an outstanding 623 EMS alarms, 86 motor vehicle accidents, 588 fire alarms, while also participating in 481 ambulance rides. Even at the age of 80, she continues to re-certify as an EMT, showcasing her lifelong dedication to this noble profession.