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United Way executive director dies at 58
By JEFFREY S. SOLOCHEK © St. Petersburg Times, published November 30, 2000 When United Way of Hernando County agency representatives gathered each year to learn how the organization would allocate its money, they always relied on Executive Director Marilyn Ceh to break the tension with a well-placed laugh and smile. As they gather today, they will conduct a more somber meeting as they remember Ms. Ceh, who died early Wednesday at a Tampa hospital after a long battle with cancer. She was 58. "The work of United Way has to continue," said Ernie Holzhauer, a United Way past president and spokesman for Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative. "That's what she would want." Holzhauer and others credited Ms. Ceh with turning many dreams into reality as she grew the charitable organization during her eight-year tenure as executive director. She helped establish First Call for Help, Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, they said, while helping increase United Way's annual fund drive collection from less than $100,000 to more than $500,000. In 1998, for instance, the group exceeded its fundraising goal by more than 30 percent and was recognized as tops in the nation for United Ways of its size. "She was tireless, striving to make Hernando County a better place to live," said Mike Hardin, chairman of the United Way allocation review committee and manager of Publix at Lakewood Plaza in Spring Hill. Ms. Ceh also inspired countless people to volunteer to help the less fortunate residents of Hernando County, Hardin said. "She's the person that really set the hook in me to get involved in the community," he said. "Marilyn was just remarkable, an inspiration and a mentor to those who were fortunate enough to work closely with her. It's just an absolutely terrible loss, both personally and for the community." Jim Ennis, First Call for Help resource coordinator, shared an office with Ms. Ceh for the past three years. He remembered her as a team player who involved as many people as possible in all aspects of her work. "I couldn't ask for any better person to work with," Ennis said. In addition to her work with United Way, Ms. Ceh also played an active role as a Rotarian, said Walter Dry, current United Way president. "She was excellent, always willing to help, very, very attuned to us doing things for the community," Dry said. "She was the type of person you would want as a friend -- giving and also the type of person if you asked her to do something, if she possibly could, she would do it." With Ms. Ceh's death, Holzhauer said, Hernando County lost a "compassionate leader." "She worked endless hours and did so because she truly cared," he said. "I just know she'll be sorely missed." Funeral details were not available Wednesday evening.
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