IN MEMORIAM: Martha M. Fish, 99;

Worked At Homer Folks For 23 Years

 ONEONTA – Martha M. Fish, 99, who worked for almost a quarter-century at Homer Folks Hospital, passed away Monday morning, Jan. 29, 2018, at Fox Nursing Home.

She was born in Otego on Sept. 12, 1918, to Frank and Leita (Danforth) Shalor.

Martha was a resident of West Oneonta for 85 years, moving to The Plains in 2011.

A graduate of Laurens High School, Class of 1936, she attended Delhi Agricultural & Technical College. She worked for New York State at the former Homer Folks Hospital in Oneonta, and retired in 1973 after 23 years of service.  She later volunteered at Fox Hospital for several years in any area where she was needed.

On Oct. 20, 1944, she married Carlton McLaury. He predeceased her on May 4, 1974. She later married Stanley Raymond Fish on July 20, 1991. Martha and Stan first met when she was attending college in Delhi, during which time he was dating Martha’s room-mate. Stan died Nov. 14, 2010.

The family homestead in West Oneonta was a two-family home, and in the 1970s they rented the downstairs to Richard and Kathy Parsons. They quickly became very good friends and when Richard and Kathy’s two sons, Stephen and Andrew were born Martha became a surrogate grandmother to them.

Martha is survived by three nieces, Helen (Ron) Kinch of Schenevus, Betty (John) Smallin of Oneonta and Marilyn (Larry) Millen of Bunnell, Florida; one nephew, Donald (Ruth) Shalor of Worcester; a step daughter Joanne (John) Luning of Lakeville, Connecticut; and several great nieces, great nephews and cousins. She is also survived by surrogate grandsons, Stephen and Andrew Parsons, and dear friends Richard and Kathy Parsons of Laurens, to whom a special thank you is extended for all that they have done for Martha over the years.

She was predeceased by her parents, both husbands and a brother, Nathan Shalor.

Per her request, there will be no calling hours or service. Graveside services will be held at the convenience of the family later this Spring.

As an alternative to flowers and with respect for Martha’s love for animals, memorial donations may be made to Susquehanna Animal Shelter, 4841 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, NY  13326.

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.