Obituary of Marilyn D. Mackey

Marilyn was born in July 1931 to Raymond and Alice Murray of Nedrow, where she lived and worked after graduating from the 8th grade until her marriage to James A., of Syracuse. They would return to Nedrow after a decade long journey that took them to Kirkville and up north to the St. Lawrence Seaway with trailer in tow, and growing the family along the way. A five room flat on W. Conklin gave the family more spacious accommodations, but after two more additions to the clan, they put down roots in Tully Valley in an old farm house where the last of 11 children was born.

Being a mother was a full time job, but as the nest emptied and the boys got older, Marilyn found employment with several entities in the area. Waitressing for Babcock's was her biggest thrill, but home was still her main focus- which was always open for family and friends needing refuge. With more time for herself beyond tending to her gardens and yard, she became a voracious reader and took up the crossword puzzles. With some encouragement she rose to the challenge of the Sunday Times for which many dictionaries paid the price in her quest to go "TA-DA!".

Our mother's well-being could not have been in better hands when Theresa stepped in to become her advocate and caregiver; which meant many more years of independent living. Though fully vaccinated, the scourge of COVID touched her life, which required a move to Loretto, where she transitioned peacefully with family by her side, on February 28, 2023. It was her desire that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the SPCA.

In addition to her husband, and eldest daughter, Dolores, Marilyn was predeceased by: her parents; four siblings, Bud, Shirley, Dick, and Ron; in-laws, Liz, Peg, and Andy; stepmother, Lillian; daughter-in-law, Elsie; and son-in-law, Patrick. She is survived by: her children: Jimmy, Beth, Coleen (Tony), Valerie, Margaret, Theresa (Don), Pat, Rick, Len, and Mike; half sister, Melanie; sister-in-law, Arlene; as well as a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be private, and burial will take place in the Spring at LaFayette Cemetery.

The family asks that friends gather at the home of Theresa and Don on Saturday March 4 at 1 pm for a celebration of Marilyn's life. 

To have a memorial tree planted in an area of need in honor of Marilyn, please use the Send Flowers link to the left. Online condolences for her family may be left under her Tribute Wall.