Marian Hester, of West Babylon, promotes cancer awareness for Black women through Witness Project of Long Island

Seventeen years ago, Marian Hester was invited to participate in the annual 5-kilometer walk put on by the Witness Project of Long Island, an outreach program that promotes breast health and cancer awareness to Black women and their families. Now, she is the walk’s chairwoman.

“If I had to describe her in one word, I think that word would be ‘giving,’ ” said Nikki Stewart, the program’s director. “She is always one of the first people to step up when volunteers are needed. If we need someone to man an information table, she is there. When we need someone to help get the word out about one of our education programs, she is there. If we need someone to run a program, she is there. If someone needs a ride, she is there.”

Hester’s passion for helping others does not end there. The West Babylon resident has assisted in community cleanups and planted more than 1,000 flowers for Earth Day through the Belmont Lake Civic Association, and read the Bible and sung to nursing home residents as a member of the Upper Room Christian World Center in Dix Hills. She also belongs to AARP’s Babylon chapter and is a board delegate for the Civil Service Employees Association Suffolk Retiree Local 920.

“Marian Hester has demonstrated volunteerism and good stewardship over several decades, setting a great example for the next generation of Suffolk County homeowners and residents,” said Travis Stewart, president of the Belmont Lake Civic Association.

For Hester, 77, her motivation is simple. “I do it with my heart; that’s just the way I am,” she said of her volunteer efforts. “If I see anybody that needs help with anything, I’m always willing to assist.”

Hester said she has a special interest in helping older Long Islanders. Her last position before retiring in 2006 was coordinating the Long Island Developmental Disabilities Service Office’s senior companion program, which matched older local residents with clients for recreational activities such as doing puzzles and going on walks, she said.

“That was my calling,” Hester said. “I hold a special place in my heart for seniors, and I think it’s because you learn more from older people. They have wisdom.”

She has also been a member of the New York State Senior Companion Program’s advisory council and the Long Island Developmental Disabilities Service Office’s Direct Care Council Committee, the latter for which she served as chairwoman.

Hester was recognized for her volunteer efforts this past spring with a 2024 Woman of Distinction Award issued by Suffolk County Legis. Jason Richberg (D-Wyandanch).

“I was thrilled to be able to recognize someone I’ve known for many years,” Richberg said. “Marian is truly deserving of this honor. As a longtime resident of my district, Marian has been going out of her way to give back to her community for decades. The 15th Legislative District is a better place to live thanks to Marian Hester.”

By Michael R. Ebert

michael.ebert@newsday.com

Michael R. Ebert is an education researcher and has worked for Newsday in various capacities since 2003. He was part of an 11-person team named as 2008 Pulitzer Prize finalists for investigative coverage of the LIRR's platform safety issues.