Obituary of Mary B. Kelly Burke Martin

Mary B. Kelly Burke Martin, a life resident of 92 years in Marcellus, NY and matriarch to our family, has passed away on March 6, 2025. She wore many hats throughout her years of working, the last being the school crossing guard for the Marcellus Police Department and in the food service area at K.C. Heffernan School. Mary was a life communicant of St. Francis Xavier Church. She enjoyed camping in the Adirondacks, many years of being in various bowling leagues, and playing in pitch tournaments with her family and friends. Her favorite pastime of all was taking her grandchildren fishing.

Mary was predeceased by her 1st husband Ambrose T. Burke in 1966 and her 2nd husband William J. Martin in 2006. She was also predeceased by her sister Genevieve Knox, brother William Kelly, stepson Stephen Martin, and stepson Daniel (Donna) Martin.

Surviving family includes her children, Thomas (Janet) Burke of Syracuse, Michael (Nicki) Burke of Marcellus, Jeanne (Glen) Burke-Huntley of New Jersey, and her stepchildren Kathy Kelly of Syracuse, Jeffrey (MaryAnn) Martin of New York Mills, and Karen (Bill) Howard of Marcellus and stepdaughter-in-law Nancy Martin. She was blessed with 17 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren whom she loved dearly. She is also survived by her siblings Margaret (Tom) Esterguard of Marcellus and James (Kathy) Kelly of Morristown.

Calling hours will be from 4 to 7pm, Wednesday, March 12th, 2025 at Ryan Funeral Home, 44 E. Main Street, Marcellus. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11am, Thursday, the next morning in St. Francis Xavier Church, One W. Main Street, Marcellus. The Rite of Committal and burial will follow at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Mary had asked for contributions to be made to St. Francis Xavier Cemetery, P.O. Box 177, Marcellus, NY 13108.