Legislator Steven J. Flotteron (R-Brightwaters) presents Nancy Donahue with the 2026 Suffolk County Woman of Distinction Award for the Eleventh Legislative District.
Ms. Donahue and her family have been long-time members of the community where she has volunteered for various organizations for more than 50 years. Her volunteerism began in the mid-1990s when she became a commissioner representing the hamlet of West Islip, working closely with former Chairpersons of Keep Islip Clean, Bill Johnson and Kay Erwood, to keep the organization operating smoothly. In addition, she served as the Chairperson of KIC for three years and was instrumental working on the revitalization of West Islip Beach which involved repainting the main building and clearing the beach of accumulated trash and debris. She worked tirelessly in promoting the beach and making the community aware of this gem which had previously been underutilized. Then, in 2014, Nancy was part of the planning and creation of Madeline’s Playground in memory of Madeline Hsu who tragically died in the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting.
Foremost, as President of the West Islip Symphony Orchestra since 1991 to present, an organization she dedicates many hours to spreading the importance of bringing classical music into the community. She is a founding member of the West Islip Country Fair Committee, serving since 1976 and is an active member of the West Islip Chamber of Commerce and a past member of the Sagtikos Manor Historical Society. In addition, Nancy is active in the Ladies Auxiliary of the American Legion Post and was awarded NYS Woman of Distinction in 2007. There have been many individuals who have greatly benefited from Ms. Donahue’s contributions to the community. She continues tirelessly, at the age of 88 years old, giving of her time and talents to bring cultural arts to others for the betterment of her community.
