Obituary of Martha S. MacKay

Martha Seward MacKay (Marty) passed away in Auburn, on May 27, 2016 after a brief illness. A life-long resident of Auburn, she was born on May 6, 1940 to Stuart S. MacKay Sr. and Verna Bench MacKay. A 1958 graduate of East High School, Marty attended Elmira College for two years, graduating and transferring to Columbia Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing in New York City. She graduated in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science degree and as a registered nurse. After graduation Marty served in public health nursing in the Rochester, NY area in 1963-1964. She then was appointed as the Administrator of Auburn Nursing Home, a position she held for 34 years, retiring in 1998. She subsequently served on the staff of the Cayuga Community College Foundation for 15 years, retiring from this position in 2013. In addition to these two positions of responsibility, Marty was very active in the Auburn community. She was the first woman director of the Cayuga County Savings Bank. Marty was also appointed in 1971 by Governor Nelson Rockefeller to the Cayuga County College Board of Trustees, a position she held for 18 years. She served on the Fort Hill Cemetery Board and was also a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church, serving as an elder and a choir member. Marty's civic responsibilities were matched by her commitment to the game of golf. A lifelong member of Owasco County Club, she counted multiple Owasco Country Club, Cayuga County District and SWDGA championships among her accomplishments. She enjoyed golf vacations with friends, especially those to Hilton Head Island. She also enjoyed celebrating birthdays and holidays with her extended family. Marty was pre-deceased by her parents and brother-in-law Jack Blodgett. She is survived by her sister Lynn Blodgett of Newark, NY and Stuart S. MacKay Jr. (Cornelia) of Burr Ridge, IL. She is also survived by nephews John Blodgett (Susan) of Clarendon Hills, IL; Stuart Blodgett (Julie) of Newark, NY, Bruce M. Blodgett (Jackie) of Auburn, NY and Douglas MacKay (Steven) of San Francisco, CA and niece Molly MacKay Zacker (David) of St. Charles, IL and 10 great nieces and nephews. Marty's family would like to sincerely thank Kathy Yantch for her care and time spent with Marty recently. Calling hours for Marty will be Thursday, June 2 from 4-6 p.m. at Langham Funeral Home in Auburn. Funeral services will be held Friday, June 3 at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Auburn. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the MacKay Memorial Fund at First Presbyterian Church.