EAST MEREDITH - Mary G. Martin (Pokey, Miss Martin), 80, of East Meredith, passed away peacefully at Fox Hospital ER on May 28, 2024 after complications from chemotherapy.

Mary was born Jan. 1, 1944, at Delhi Hospital, the daughter of Charles C. and Lottie (Burdick) Martin.

Mary graduated from South Kortright Central School in 1962. She attended Elmira College, graduating in 1966 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She was a member of the Southern Tier New York Phi Delta Kappa.

A published author for the Barron's Review Course Series, Mary wrote for the global history and geography book line for years.

She was employed as a social studies teacher at Greene Central School for 33 years before retiring and moving back home to East Meredith. Mary was the class adviser for plays, yearbook, Key Club and chaperoned many dances. She left quite the impact in Greene.

According to one student, "My beloved mentor and friend. You saved my life in high school... Gently, and quietly every morning talking to me and listening before classes, many afternoons in her home as a safe haven, she loaned me a beautiful orange dress to wear to prom! Mary helped shape my life. I love you, Mary. I thank you, Mary. You are a beloved, amazing woman and I am only one of probably hundreds of souls you invited into your enormous heart. I love you with every piece of mine."

Words from a colleague: "She opened a whole new world of understanding to each and every student whether teaching about "Street Law," Apartheid, or Southeast Asia. Her electives like "Psychology" helped so many young students begin to understand themselves and others. She was more than a teacher but more of a true friend to all."

After returning home at age 55, she finally learned to drive. Thank you, Lee Fisher.

She was employed in the assessor's office for the Town of Kortright for a very short time. She then worked with the Delaware County Corrections office as a case manager before finding her new passion and work family at ARC of Otsego. There she was able to use her enduring love and talent to help many, many special people. She really loved her work there.

Mary never had children of her own. She always claimed all her nieces, nephews and students were her children. She loved them all beyond words. She was the first call when anyone of them got in a little trouble, and she was the first one there to defend them mostly from their parents. She had a huge heart and always gave more than herself.

Mary enjoyed gardening; flowers were her favorite. Reading was also a favorite pastime of hers. Many, many books and magazines filled her home.

She was probably the best cook in the county. The Food Channel was a favorite. She would spend hours in the kitchen preparing full dishes. You don't ever just cook for one, she would say. Luckily many of us were able to enjoy the leftovers. The recipes were endless.

She also was the biggest fan in the stands for all her nieces, grandnieces, nephews and grandnephews. Tailgating was a must and before a season was over. She knew all the kids on the team and called them by name. She followed them even through their college days, cheering just as hard and proudly proclaiming that she was their aunt or great-aunt.

Mary enjoyed vacationing each year with her sister, niece and grandnieces. Whether it was in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee or various places along the East Coast. Her favorite spot of all was Dewey Beach, Delaware. Dewey was where countless memories were made with walks on the beach, seafood dinners, and cozy nights filled with lots of laughter and margaritas. Mary also traveled to China, one of her favorite studies and spent a summer driving across country with her niece, taking every opportunity to educate along the way.

Mary will be remembered for her great sense of humor and very direct manner of putting people in their place when needed. Throughout her life, she was totally tuned in to the lives of her siblings, nieces and nephews. She was truly a gift to this world. She will be loved and missed by many.

She is survived by brothers, Kenneth (Barbara) and Glenn S. (Jane). In addition, she is survived by several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents; sisters Nancy and Karen; and brothers, Lloyd, Everett and John.

There will be no funeral services. A celebration of life will be held at the residence of Steve and Jane Martin, 1390 96 Road, East Meredith, at 1 p.m., Sunday, July 14. All are welcome.

Donations in her memory may be made to ARC Otsego, P.O. Box 490, Oneonta, NY 13820.