Kathleen (Adair) Martin passed away quietly at home on Aug. 15, 2023.
She was born in Delhi Jan. 27, 1943 to Mary (Gillis) and Kenneth Adair. After graduating from Delaware Academy with honors, she enrolled in Hartwick College, Oneonta. She first considered nursing but soon found it wasn’t right for her, so switched to the teaching program and never looked back.
Armed with her teaching degree she began to teach high school English in Walton, then moved to teaching English at SUNY Delhi where she worked tirelessly in the Learning Center and later developed the Women’s Studies Program. While teaching at the college and somehow wrangling three teenage stepdaughters, she obtained a Doctorate in English from SUNY Albany, attaining her long time ambition of full professorship.
Kathy was never one to slack off on what she felt needed to be done. She was always involved in her community. From serving on the school board at South Kortright Central, to the Bloomville Emergency Squad, the Ladies Auxiliary of the Fire Department, the VFW and most recently at her church, the First Presbyterian Church of Delhi. Good thing she was a great baker! She was also an amazing knitter, enjoyed puzzles (all kinds), bridge, quilting, and she had special affection for Siamese cats. As friends became ill or passed on, she made room in her heart and home for them. They gave her love, companionship and made her laugh every day.
Kathy is joining family who went before, her husband of 30+ years, Frank E. (Pepper) Martin; her parents Mary and Kenneth Adair, along with her siblings Margaret and Kenneth P. Adair.
Kathy is survived by her daughters Jamie Boulton of Oregon, JoAnne Young of East Homer, and Julie Martin of Oregon; a sister Patricia Mattice of Davenport, two nephews, two nieces, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Please come to celebrate the remarkable life of Kathleen Martin. Calling hours will be from noon to 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 3, at the First Presbyterian Church of Delhi, with a service to follow with Pastor Jamie Tyrrell at 1. All are welcome to attend a reception in the church hall following the service.
Memorial donations may be made to the Heart of the Catskills Humane Society, PO Box 88, Delhi, NY 13753.
Visit www.macarthurfh.com to share a condolence with Kathy’s family.
