By Richard Burnett
Years ago, Marlene O鈥橳oole strode purposefully through the hallway of 海角社区, holding a dozen folders, amicably greeting co-workers, finally wheeling into an office and grabbing a seat at her desk. In her wake, a student followed, hanging on her every word and action.
鈥淭his is my intern,鈥� O鈥橳oole explained. 鈥淗e鈥檚 a little quiet and doesn鈥檛 say much, but he鈥檚 learning and figuring things out. He鈥檒l be okay.鈥�
That was vintage Marlene O鈥橳oole 鈥� engaging, mentoring, helping students with learning and attention issues be confident, experience learning and discover themselves, colleagues say. When she joined 海角社区 in 2017, she didn鈥檛 know the move would provide a capstone for her passion for helping to elevate the social mobility of young people. This was to be the final act of a considerable professional life, after stints as a corporate executive, a legislator and Chair of the House Education Committee, and director of Take Stock in Children in Florida, a nonprofit that provides scholarships to at-risk children.
The award-winning former Florida lawmaker, education advocate, nonprofit leader, and former IBM manager died Tuesday from heart disease. O鈥橳oole was 78 years old. She is survived by her husband Edward O鈥橳oole Sr. of The Villages, Florida, and five adult children.
O鈥橳oole also left behind a multitude of friends, colleagues, and associates, past and present, who witnessed her quiet, but powerful touch in everything from educational opportunity and economic development to the dramatic growth of The Villages.
鈥淎mong the many organizations and communities that prospered through the abiding influence of Marlene O鈥橳oole, the people of 海角社区 are profoundly saddened by her passing,鈥� said Dr. George Hagerty, 海角社区 president. 鈥淲e not only have lost a wonderful and giving colleague but on a very personal level, a dear and trusted friend to many.鈥�
O鈥橳oole came to 海角社区 in the summer of 2017 as a special projects manager, after retiring from her corporate and political careers. In March 2018, she stepped into a full-time role as director of the college鈥檚 innovation and outreach center, which coordinated a cluster of programs aimed at equipping and preparing neurodiverse students for the workplace. Later, she held several other positions in career development and job placement, eventually becoming 海角社区鈥檚 director of community relations.
Deeply committed to the community and devoted to the students, O鈥橳oole was highly respected throughout the college and everyone will miss her energy, wisdom, sense of humor, and friendship, said Rich Killion, vice president for advancement and strategy.
鈥淪he understood what education and workplace opportunity could do for young people, and how it could serve as a path for fulfilling their dreams,鈥� he said. 鈥淪he knew this was particularly important for students with learning and attention issues, which is why she worked tirelessly on our students鈥� behalf, whether that involved helping get them an internship, a job, or a connection to someone in the community.鈥�
O鈥橳oole鈥檚 influence in the community 鈥� fueled by her years in the state legislature 鈥� made her particularly effective in finding opportunities for students in business and industry. From 2008 to 2016, as a GOP lawmaker representing Sumter County and parts of Lake and Marion, she received many honors, including Legislator of the Year from the Associated Industries of Florida鈥檚 IT Council, Distinguished Advocate from the Florida Chamber of Commerce, and the Public Service Award from the Florida Network of Children鈥檚 Advocacy.
She was also credited with playing one of the key roles in the early growth of The Villages, establishing a legislative framework and foundation for the business and residential expansion of the burgeoning retirement community. Recently, the impact of her decades-long commitment to economic opportunity was reflected in the region鈥檚 burgeoning 563-acre and 7 million-square-foot industrial complex that bears the name 鈥淩ep. Marlene O鈥橳oole Industrial Park.鈥�
Former state senator Alan Hays worked with O鈥橳oole on many issues when they both served in the legislature. Now Lake County鈥檚 supervisor of elections, Hays served in the Florida Senate and House representing Lake during O鈥橳oole鈥檚 career.
鈥淪he had a quiet strength that was amazing to see, but anyone who would mistake her quietness for weakness would be in for a real awakening if they tried to challenge her,鈥� he said. 鈥淪he researched everything and always knew what she was talking about. She was always professional, compassionate, and had a real heart for children, to improve the educational status of our population.鈥�
O鈥橳oole鈥檚 uncommon fair mindedness also helped her win over people, Hays added. She knew the art of compromise, when to negotiate, how to respect others, still take a stand on principle and get things done.
鈥淒espite all the serious issues, she was also someone who loved to laugh, had a great sense of humor, and loved to play practical jokes on folks,鈥� he added. 鈥淪he was so generous and always gave her time to so many great causes. I would say I was privileged to call her my friend.鈥�