Marie Colvin memorial fund established

Undated family photo of journalist Marie Colvin who was based... — Undated family photo of journalist Marie Colvin who was based in London and was killed in a shelling attack in Homs, Syria. Feb. 22, 2012. Credit: Howard Schnapp

By WILLIAM MURPHYwilliam.murphy@newsday.comFebruary 24, 2012

A memorial fund has been established in the name of Long Island native Marie Colvin, the foreign correspondent killed Wednesday during a rocket attack in Syria.

The fund was established by the Long Island Community Foundation at the request of Colvin's family, the foundation's executive director, David M. Okorn, said Friday.

Okorn said the fund will allow the family to support "appropriate not-for-profit causes in her memory."

Colvin, 56, a 1974 graduate of Oyster Bay High School, was an award-winning foreign correspondent with the Sunday Times of London.

Her mother, Rosemarie Colvin, lives in East Norwich and aides to Rep. Peter King (R-Seaford), who represents the area, said King has been in contact with the State Department in an effort to get Colvin's remains out of Syria.

The Associated Press reported Friday that the Syrian Foreign Ministry was blaming opposition forces for not releasing the remains of Colvin and a French photojournalist, Remi Ochlik, who was also killed Wednesday in the embattled city of Homs.

Donations can be made by check to The Marie Colvin Fund, Long Island Community Foundation, 1864 Muttontown Rd., Syosset, NY 11791. Donations are tax-deductible, Okorn said.