IN MEMORIAM: Marilyn E. Martin, 93;
Helped Husband’s Veterinary Practice
UNADILLA – Marilyn E. Martin, 93, who helped manage her husband’s veterinary practice here for many decades, passed away following a brief illness at Waterville Residential Care Center on Sunday, June 17, 2018, surrounded by the love and support of her family.
Marilyn was born in Ancram, Columbia County, on March 28,1925, to Gladys and Peter Piester. She graduated from Roeliff Jansen School in Hillsdale. She worked at Western Printing in Poughkeepsie, doing color work on Walt Disney comics for Whitman Publishing Co., then went on to attend the Barbizon Modeling School in New York City.
In 1948, she married Robert S. Martin. After her husband’s graduation from the Veterinary College at Cornell University, they lived in Buffalo for one year. They then moved to Unadilla, where they lived for more than six decades.
During many of those 60+ years, Marilyn served an integral role in the management of Robert’s veterinary practice, in addition to being a homemaker for Robert and their five children. They celebrated 67 years of marriage before Robert’s passing in 2015.
Marilyn is survived by her brothers, Wendell Piester and Kenneth Piester. Her sister, Jeanne, preceded her in death.
Her loving family includes sons, Stephen (Jennifer), William (Lauren) and James (Deanne) Martin and daughters, Marcia (Patrick) Knapp and Barbara (Jasz Rogers) Martin. Marilyn’s many blessings included her grandchildren, Kelly (Frank) Schroeter, Sean (Danielle) Knapp and Travis Knapp, Daniel (Colleen) Martin, Andrew Martin and Matthew Martin, Luke and Mary Martin; and great-grandchildren, Morgan, Elijah and Rebecca Knapp and Lila and Sigfried Schroeter.
Marilyn’s passion was her creativity. She was an artist who explored many modalities of art, including oil and watercolor painting (both traditional sized and miniature), replicas of Hudson River Valley artists, sculpture, as well as other non-traditional modalities.
In her ’80s she began to produce abstract “swirl” photography using her digital camera. Her artwork was shown in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., at the James Schot Photo Gallery. Some of these abstracts now adorn the dining room walls of Waterville Residential Care Center and at the St. Joseph Hospital in Nashua, N.H. Her work can be found on the website “Fine Art America.”
Marilyn’s other passions included collecting antiques and vintage hats, clothing and jewelry. She saw a dream come true when a fashion show of her clothing was presented at the Presbyterian Home in New Hartford, and a hat show was enjoyed by the residents at Waterville Residential Care Center.
The family extend its gratitude to Marilyn’s home companions, especially her dear friend, Katie Bridge, who brought light and love to Marilyn every day they were together. To all the nurses, staff and activities personnel at Presbyterian Home and Waterville Residential Care Center, we know you are God’s angels here on earth.
A special heartfelt wish for Mom’s beloved friend, Ross, to have peace in his heart at this time. You brought our mother so much love and fun.
Arrangements are by C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, 21 Main St. Sidney. Calling hours will be from 1 to 3 p.m., Saturday, June 23, followed by a 3 p.m. service at the funeral home. Share condolences with the family online at www.landersfh.com.