OCALA, FL (352today.com) – A proclamation honoring a community leader, celebrating her life, service and the enduring legacy of the Hon. Miss Mary Sue Rich was presented by City of Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano at the Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, Ocala City Council meeting, to members of her family.
“It’s our honor to recognize Mary Sue Rich for all of the work that she did in this community,” said Mayor Ben Marciano, who read and presented the proclamation, and extended the city’s heartfelt condolences to Rich’s family and loved ones.
Rich, who served on the Ocala City Council for 24 years, passed away on Dec. 18, 2025, and was an invaluable member of the community, known for her compassion and leadership. Rich served on the Ocala City Council from 1995 until her retirement in 2019.
“Miss Rich served honorably as a dedicated council member for the City of Ocala representing District no. 2, demonstrating integrity, vision, and a steadfast lifelong commitment to the well-being of our community,” said Marciano. “During her tenure, Miss Rich’s passion for helping others championed initiatives that strengthened the underserved area of West Ocala by advocating and promoting the revitalization ensuring that District no. 2 neighborhoods would benefit from economic growth and in an equitable fashion.”
Rich embodied the attributes and qualities of honesty, compassion, integrity, confidence, knowledge and was attentive to the needs of the residents in her community, said Marciano. Rich was an authentic leader, who led by example, and her actions inspired trust for those who had the privilege of knowing her.
“Miss Rich’s devotion to West Ocala residents brought positive changes that impacted and enriched the lives of so many,” said Marciano. “Her veracity and service to others is indisputable as a testament to the calling of a true and a great servant. Miss Rich has left an indelible mark on our community and her unwavering dedication and service resonates deeply, instilling a sense of gratitude and respect for her dedication and contributions for her profound influence on our community.”
When Marciano found out about Rich’s passing, a city employee came in and shared a story with the mayor, about when they had first started working for the municipality.
“As a new employee, they felt a little bit out of place, and Ms. Rich came in one day, and they (the employee) were a little intimidated, and she walked up to the employee and asked, ‘who are you? How are you doing?’ She made them feel so comfortable, and always asked about them, and was always present with them. I think that just speaks to who she was as a woman.”
Marciano attended her funeral this past Saturday, and the words that stood out to him. and as ones that the community and the city should live by, is that she put family, service to others and God as her guiding light.
“The last one, that I think is extremely important, and I think that we need it more than ever today, is One Ocala,” said Marciano. “It’s an honor to recognize her and all the work that she did in our community.”
Rich’s family expressed their heartfelt appreciation and thanks for everything that the City of Ocala, the Mayor’s office, the Ocala Police Department and the Ocala City Council for what they have done for them throughout the bereavement period. They also thanked the city’s citizens for their outpouring of love.