Senator Martins Names Legislator Rose Marie Walker a New York State Senate Woman of Distinction

Senator Jack M. Martins (R-7^th Senate District) recently named Nassau County Legislator Rose Marie Walker of Hicksville a New York State Senate Woman of Distinction. 

“Rose Marie Walker is a great woman who is very deserving of this great honor.  Whether it is as an elected official, a PTA President, a Civic Leader, or any of the other numerous service positions she’s held over the years, Rose has donated countless hours to helping her neighbors and making her community a better place.  She is a role model and her selfless devotion to community service is a shining example for others to follow.  It is my pleasure to congratulate her on earning this award,” said Senator Martins.

Rose Marie Walker is a pioneer for women in government and her accomplishments are plentiful. A dedicated elected official, Rose embodies community service.  

 Rose was first elected to represent the Nassau County Legislature’s 17th District on November 3, 2009. Residents recognized her commitment and dedicated by re-electing her in 2011 and again in 2013, both times by a wide margin.

            Prior to her election to the Legislature, Rose served as a Councilwoman in the Town of Oyster Bay from January 2004 through December 2009.  While on the Town Board, Rose proposed legislation to create a Veterans Service Division and expanded services and programs for seniors.  She also worked to protect the environment, expand open space, increase Senior Housing and begin Next Gen housing for young people.

            An active Community member, Rose has served as a trustee on the Board of Education in Hicksville, is a Past President of Dutch Lane PTA, Hicksville Middle School and High School PTSA as well as PTA Council.  She is a founding member of the Hicksville Athletic Booster Club, Past President of Holy Family Rosary Society, served on Holy Family Parish Council, and taught confraternity.  She is a member of many civic organizations as well as Hicksville Community Council and Chamber of Commerce, Order Sons of Italy Capt. Kathy Mazza Lodge, Joseph Barry Columbiettes, Nassau County Vietnam Veterans of America and is Past President of Irish Americans in Government. In addition, she is a founding member of the Bethpage-Central Park Kiwanis Club and a long-standing member of the Hicksville Kiwanis Club.  She has also volunteered countless hours at American Cancer Society Relay for Life events in her district, and on the athletic fields of Hicksville and Nassau County working with PAL Lacrosse, Hicksville Crusader Football, Hicksville Baseball Association and Levittown Red Devil Football.

 A lifelong resident of Hicksville, Rose attended both private and parochial schools.  She earned a BA in Education from Belmont Abbey/Sacred Heart College in North Carolina. Upon graduation, she worked for the Diocese of Rockville Centre, St. Stephen’s Nursery School in Hicksville, and the Hicksville Union Free School District. Rose also worked for Family and Children’s Association as a Career Counselor and the Town of Oyster Bay Parks Department.

Rose, and her late husband John, are the proud parents of Rob and his wife Liz, Jen and her husband Keith, Bryan and Kristi.  Rose is also the proud grandmother of Aiden John, Alexis Elizabeth and the newest addition to their family, Lucas Eugene.

The Senate’s “Women of Distinction” program recognizes outstanding women living and working in New York State whose contributions have greatly enriched the quality of life in their communities and beyond.  Rose’s biography and photo were displayed in the Legislative Office Building as part of an exhibit honoring the Women of Distinction from across New York State.