Ena Dariel Townsend

Graduated as a registered nurse from the State of New York Office of Mental Health School of Nursing at Central Islip Psychiatric Center as an honor student, where she won the Harry Pelham Robbins Medal, received the Highest General Efficiency award and ranked second in her class.

went on to earn a Bachelors of Science Degree from the State University College at Oneonta, with permanent New York State Certification in Health Education and a Master’s of Science Degree from Long Island University in Health Education.  By the time the State Hospital began closing in the 1970’s, Mrs. Townsend’s professional career had advanced to Nurse Administrator.

she assumed a newly created position of Community Mental Health Nurse and later became a Nursing Instructor at the Suffolk County Community College.

Upon retirement from professional nursing Mrs. Townsend was invited to the join the staff of the former Assemblyman Dr. Paul E. Harenberg.  She worked with him as a Legislative Assistant assigned to both his Albany and District Offices for more than ten years until he retired.

Ena Townsend demonstrated political leadership for more than fifty-five years ago in her efforts to reach out into the then sparsely populated community of Central Islip to organize, educate and register the residents in her area to vote. Acknowledging her enthusiasm for this aspect of the political process she was asked to become a Suffolk County Democratic Committeeperson, a position she held until 2019.

appointed by the former Governor Hugh Carey to the State University of New York at Stony Brook Council. She was concurrently a member of the New York State Association of Council Members and College Trustees. She was later appointed by Governor Mario Cuomo to the newly created State of New York Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission on Non Violence and served under the Chairmanship of Harry Belafonte.

Mrs. Townsend has shared information about education, employment and training opportunities, written countless letters of reference and recommendation, assisted with citizenship and immigration concerns and helped access housing and other services for fellow congregants and people throughout the community

For close to 70 years, Mrs. Townsend has been active in The Episcopal Church of the Messiah serving as Church organist, member of the Bishops Committee, Junior and Senior Warden, Directress of the Altar Guild, Church School Teacher, member of the Episcopal Church Women, Choir, Stewardship Committee, Mothers Union and the Bingo Fundraising group.

In addition, she is a former member of the Episcopal Diocese Altar Guild Executive Board, the Suffolk County Archdeaconry Episcopal Women’s Executive Board and was awarded the Bishop’s Distinguished Service Cross by The Right Reverend Orris Walker. She served on the Suffolk County Department of Social Services’ Commissioners Advisory Council, the Long Island Regional Faith Communities Committee and the Central Islip Community Leaders Association.  She is further a graduate of the Suffolk County Civilian Police Academy, holds a Certificate from the National Faith Leadership Institute of the Counties of Nassau and Suffolk and has been the recipient of numerous resolutions, proclamations, and citation for volunteer and community leadership.