Senate Resolution No. 667

BY: Senator MAYER

MOURNING the death of Marla Offenbach Hurban,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of her
community

WHEREAS, Within every community of the State of New York there are
certain individuals who, by virtue of their commitment and dedication,
command the respect and admiration of their community for their
exemplary contributions and service on behalf of others; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to mourn publicly
those distinguished citizens who demonstrated great courage and
diligence in providing for the care and welfare of the citizens of their
communities and this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, With feelings of deepest regret, this Legislative Body
records the passing of Marla Offenbach Hurban, who died on Monday, April
5, 2021, after a long courageous battle with cancer; and

WHEREAS, A resident of Yonkers, New York, Marla Offenbach Hurban
devoted her life to caring for her beloved family, and the young people
of her community through her many years of service on the Yonkers
Council of PTAs (YCPTA); and

WHEREAS, In addition to her valuable work with the YCPTA, Marla
Offenbach Hurban was the Director of Intergenerational Programs at
JCY-Westchester Community Partners (JCY-WCP); throughout her tenure, she
ran eight educationally based programs which brought volunteers to the
cities of Westchester to mentor and improve the literary skills of
students, and was a vibrant organizer for intergenerational activity in
Yonkers; and

WHEREAS, Marla Offenbach Hurban was also committed to raising
awareness for pancreatic cancer and was a participant in both Relay for
Life and the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network; and

WHEREAS, Prior to joining JCY-WCP, Marla Offenbach Hurban was a
systems/financial analyst in the private sector where she honed her
managerial skills; and

WHEREAS, For her steadfast and unremitting commitment to the
students and schools of Yonkers, Marla Offenbach Hurban was the
recipient of numerous awards and accolades including the 1998
Westchester County PTA Volunteer of the Year Award, the Westchester
District PTA Newsletter of the Year Award, the Jenkins Award (Lifetime
Achievement Award), the Above and Beyond Award by the Yonkers Chamber of
Commerce, Women in Business, the Community Service Award from Hudson
River Community Association of Northwest Yonkers, Inc., and she was one
of the first recipients of the NYS Woman of Distinction Award; and

WHEREAS, This selfless woman will always be remembered as a local
heroine who continually demonstrated excellence, leadership and
integrity within her community, serving as a role model for all; and

WHEREAS, Marla Offenbach Hurban is survived by her son, Joshua, and
daughter, Helaina; her sister, Dana Offenbach; and her brother-in-law,
Robert Emerson Williams III, as well as many friends and colleagues who
will long cherish her memory; and

WHEREAS, A woman of great compassion, determination and particularly
committed to all the students at the Yonkers public schools, Marla
Offenbach Hurban's legacy extends far beyond her accomplishments as a
successful public servant; her sincere concern for others; her
integrity, unconditional friendship and selfless motivation to give of
herself, will long stand as a beacon for those who would aspire to
service in their community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Marla Offenbach Hurban, distinguished citizen and
devoted member of her community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Marla Offenbach Hurban.