Mary Frances Martin

Cortland- Mary F. Martin, 87, of Cortland, passed away Sunday evening at her residence surrounded by her daughters. She was born July 27, 1928 in Buffalo , New York, a daughter of the late Anthony and Theresa (Neilan) Mosko. Mary Frances has lovingly reunited with her husband, Benjamin Martin. Even going through the terrible journey of Alzheimer's, Mary was still a joy to be with, and she kept her smile until the last day. She graduated at the top of her class from Howland High School, and took a job as a bookkeeper at Mullins where she reacquainted her friendship with Benjamin. After they married, Mary Frances bought the farm of their dreams while Ben was stationed overseas. Mary was a natural born entrepreneur, she was also an extraordinary gardener. Early on Mary began a country harvest stand including fresh apple cider. She maintained a dairy complete with selling raw milk for years and later on, shipping to a local cheese factory. Mary, herself was a fantastic cook and also made her own cheese, butter, and famous tomato sauce. Her fresh sweet corn stand flourished for years ans subsequently she became lovingly known as "Sweat Corn Mary" throughout the community. Making hay was an intricate part of the Martin homestead. Mary was also a talented artist with a passion for ceramics. As an active member of the Fowler Garden Club Mary enjoyed the kinship and fellowship of her community. In her later years, Mary enjoyed the membership of her Tops Club of Cortland, she was also a faithful member of Queen of the Holy Rosary Church. Besides her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband Benjamin, her son Thomas, granddaughter Megan Martin, and her sister Ann Tisher. She will be deeply missed by her daughters, Theresa E. (Linwood) Martin-Davenport, Regina (David) Pilasky, and Emily Martin; her grandchildren, Nicole Pilasky, Matthew (Lily) Pilasky, Rachel Martin, and Shawn Martin; brothers John and Mick Mosko, and sister Katherine Wronkovich. A Requiem Mass will be 11:30AM, Wednesday at Queen of the Holy Rosary, 291 Scoville Dr. in Vienna. Friends may call 10-11AM at the Shafer-Winans Funeral Chapel, 164 N. High St. in Cortland. Interment Dugan Cemetery. Mary's arrangements were entrusted with Lane Family Funeral Homes Shafer Winans Chapel. Friends and family may leave their heartfelt condolences by visiting www.shaferwinanschapel.com