NANCY M. KOBRYN (1928 - 2004) was an influential American educator, futurist, and community activist , who left a significant mark on the Utica, New York community and beyond. Nancy’s passion for space exploration, education, and life itself was infectious, deeply impacting her students and all those fortunate to cross paths with her. Nancy's work with NASA's Young Astronaut Program and the ChinAmerica sister city program with China enhanced the Utica area's national and international reputations. Nancy received her B.A. in Psychology and M.A. in Education from Syracuse University.
People like Nancy Kobryn dedicate their lives to making the world a better place. Let us keep the torch lit, and proudly pass it on to all mankind in a quest toward a more peaceful world.
— Lee Kelley, "Letters to the Editor" in The Observer-Dispatch 11 March 2004.
Nancy Kobryn could hold her own against area heavyweights.
A longtime community activist and all-around volunteer, Kobryn worked to better the Mohawk Valley, and didn't mind going head to head with anyone to get the job done.
Kobryn died Wednesday [18 Feb 2004] at 75.
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Kobryn could be seen all over Utica. Her name frequently appeared in the Letters to the Editor of the Observer-Dispatch on topics from the Arab-Israeli conflict to Hillary Clinton to Griffiss Air Force Base. She volunteered for the Boilermaker Road Race and created a Web site to publicize the city of Utica. Most of all, Kobryn worked for those around her.
"She just loved people," said Shirley Scialdo, a friend, on Thursday. "She was a kind soul."
— Krista J. Karch, "Community Activist Kobryn Dies at 75", in The Observer-Dispatch 20 Feb 2004.
She was a gift to this area. She loved the arts, good food, her experiences with the Chinese people and her many years of teaching. She dared her students to be bold and passionate. She deserves recognition for her accomplishments.
— Nancy A. Greco, "Letters to the Editor" in The Observer-Dispatch 22 March 2004.