Mary Elizabeth McMartin
Mary Elizabeth McMartin, a longtime member of the Student Affairs staff and the mother
of a Skidmore graduate, died September 26, 2009, at Saratoga Hospital, following a
short illness.
Born February 20, 1928, in Salem, N.Y., the daughter of the late Arthur and Mary Hanon
McCann, Mary was a graduate of Salem High School and the Troy Business School, where
she earned a degree in business.
Mary began working at Skidmore in 1968 as secretary in the Math Department. In 1970
she became secretary to the Dean of Students, Claire Olds. Claire remembers that Mary
was “good with students. She treated them so well, and would make a point of looking
out for those who needed some attention. Mary also was gracious to Skidmore parents.”
Added Claire, “She was a lovely person who enjoyed being a part of the College community.”
Mary retired from Skidmore in 1982. One of the high points of her Skidmore career
was the graduation of her daughter, Patricia McMartin DeMatteo, who earned a B.S.
degree in nursing in 1978.
Throughout her life, Mary’s interests included family, traveling, and following her
favorite TV shows, including coverage of the Notre Dame football team.
In addition to her parents, Mary was predeceased by a sister, Eileen McCann Walker.
Mary’s survivors include her husband of 57 years, Robert; daughter Patricia and her
husband, Tony; son Robert and his wife, Nicole; brother Arthur McCann and his wife,
Eileen; and a sister, Joan Frulla, as well as five grandchildren and many nieces and
nephews.