IN MEMORIAM:
Sheila J. Martin, 87;
Ran Star Restaurant
ONEONTA — Sheila J (Blanchard) Martin, 87, the former owner of the Star Restaurant and a manager at the Woolworth’s Health Bar, passed away on June 9, 2019 at AO Fox Hospital surrounded by her loving family.
She was born August 8, 1931 to Adrian and Wilhemina (Bushnell) Blanchard in Oneonta, NY. Sheila met William L. Martin, the love of her life, at a local soda shop at the age of 15. Sheila graduated from Oneonta High School in 1950. She married Bill on December 9, 1950. They welcomed their only child, Linda, just a year later.
Sheila and Bill ran The Star Restaurant for 10 years where she was able to perform her favorite pastime of baking. After they decided to sell the restaurant, she managed Woolworth’s Health Bar. Later, Sheila worked for the City of Oneonta in the purchasing department for nearly 20 years before retiring.
After retiring, Sheila enjoyed watching the Oneonta Yankees and Oneonta Tigers down at Damaske Field or the New York Yankees on TV. Sheila and Bill became snow birds to their home in New Port Richey, FL. They also were able to enjoy traveling throughout the world and US with their Kiwanian friends. Sheila was able to continue her love of cooking and baking by teaching her grandchildren and throwing their annual Memorial Day BBQ. She also loved animals, especially her dogs Maggie and Cuervo.
Sheila was a loving daughter, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She will be dearly missed by her surviving family members. She is survived by her daughter, Linda S Obergefell; her adopted daughter Patrica Colucci; grandchildren: Jennifer Obergefell, TJ (Traci) Obergefell, and Michelle Obergefell; and her great granddaughter Halley Arnold. She is also survived by her cousin Lorraine Patten; sister-in-law Shirly Kole; niece Christine Kenefic; nephews Glen (MaryAnn) Kole, Gary Kole, Jeff (Theresa) Blanchard, Jack (Deb) Blachard, Joan Blanchard; as well as many great nieces and nephews.
Sheila was predeceased by her husband Bill; parents Adrian and Wilhemina; brothers Adrian Jr and Norman Blanchard; nephews Gregory Kole and James Blanchard.
Family and friends are invited to greet the family 11 a.m. – Noon. Monday June 17 at Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, 14 Grand St, Oneonta, where a memorial service will follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sheila’s name to the SPCA or Kiwanis International Foundation.
Online condolences to the family can be made at www.grummonsfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, Oneonta.