Obituary of Martha J. Lollis

Martha Jane Lollis, died unexpectedly November 30, 2020, at her home in Marcellus, New York. Martha was born January 13, 1948, in Syracuse, NY to Theodore and Jane Reinhard and grew up on Tipperary Hill. She later moved to Westvale where she attended West Genesee High School and graduated valedictorian of her class. Martha received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Science Education from State University of New York at Potsdam, and a Master's degree in Library Science and a Certificate in Advanced Studies from the Syracuse University School of Information Studies. She began her career as an elementary school teacher in the Massena Central School District, then became a middle school teacher in the Marcellus School District. Marcellus was where she met the love of her life, Mike Lollis. Martha went on to spend 27 years as a librarian at Cayuga Community College in Auburn, where she retired in 2007 as Library Director when her first grandson was born. Martha's interests included loving to cook (and collect cookbooks), entertaining family and friends, being an avid reader and most of all spending time with her two grandsons. She always looked to help others and practiced gratitude each day showing her appreciation for what she had and for those around her. She was an active volunteer, giving back to her community at Francis House, St. Francis Xavier Church, Marcellus Free Library and Meals on Wheels and making countless delicious meals for friends in times of need. Martha is survived by her husband of 44 years, Mike Lollis; daughter Liz Irving and son-in-law Matt Irving; grandsons Oliver (13) and Jack (11); brother Rick Reinhard and his husband Idgla; and her loving golden retriever Rosie. Due to COVID restrictions, a private Memorial Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Francis Xavier Church, Marcellus and the Rite of Committal and burial will follow at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Marcellus Free Library, 32 Maple Street, Marcellus, NY, 13108.