Canandaigua/Honeoye: At age 91, Elizabeth passed peacefully, surrounded by family, on March 9, 2024 at F.F Thompson Hospital in Canandaigua, NY. She was born on October 8, 1932 to the late Robert and Elizabeth (Tennant) McAdam. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband John W. Martin II and siblings; Margaret (Vincent) Matheson, Joan Rice, and John McAdam. She is survived by sons, Stephen (Ann) Martin and John W. (Elaine) Martin III; grandchildren, Zachary (Taylor Chase) Martin, John W. Martin IV, Meredith (Antonio) Narcisi, Ann Marie Martin, and Matthew Martin; brother, Robert (Mary) McAdam; brother-in-law Eric Rice; several nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Elizabeth was born in Hamilton, Scotland. Her Scottish heritage was a source of great pride to her throughout her life. Married for 60 years, Elizabeth and husband John were blessed with a deep-rooted love of family, friends and each other.
She was a registered nurse as a first career and then switched gears, returned to school and obtained a BS in Early Education with the intention of streamlining her family life with John and their two sons, Stephen and John. She was a beloved and dedicated kindergarten teacher for many years at Honeoye Central School where husband John also taught and her children attended.
Elizabeth pursued and enjoyed cooking, baking, and music, reading and above all, family occasions, many of which involved sporting events as the three men in her life were avid athletes and sports enthusiasts. When grandchildren appeared on the scene, she relished her role as Grandma and was completely enamored with her “Fab Five” …Zachary, John, Meredith, Ann Marie and Matthew.
She kept her mind sharp with her daily crosswords, word jumbles, jigsaw puzzles and reading.
She was a woman of strength, perseverance and high standards. Her tenacity, independent spirit and love will be greatly missed.
Family and friends may call on Saturday, March 16th, from 1 – 2pm at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 95 N. Main Street, Canandaigua, NY where Elizabeth’s Funeral Mass will be held at 2pm. Father Michael Costik will be the Celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Victor, NY. In lieu of flowers, and in Elizabeth’s memory, memorial contributions may be made to the Neighbor to Neighbor Fund, c/o FLACE, Kirsten Johnson, 72 S. Main Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424. To send a condolence or share a memory please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
Mrs. Martin was my kindergarten teacher 35 years ago. I still remember her kind smile and welcoming hugs. She was my first teacher and left a lasting impression. May her memory be a blessing to her family and friends.
Dear Steve, Ann and family,
We just learned of your mother’s passing. Please accept our sincerest condolences. We know how important family was to your mother and father. May God grant each of you peace knowing that she has joined your father and how proud she was of each of you.
Tim and Daria McElheran
I was honored to have taught with Betty at Honeoye. She shared so much with her colleagues that she “taught” us all to be better educators. Her sense of humor and positive way of looking at difficult situations helped us all to get through some challenging days. She was very proud of her Scottish heritage and willingly shared her memories with us. She was an excellent cook, bringing us treats like Shortbread and Apple Cake (my families favorite cake recipe to this day)! Most of all, I will treasure her friendship and the love that she showed to us.
Steve,
Our condolences to you and your family on the passing of your mother. Anne is out of town and I have tickets to an event on Saturday so neither of us will be able to come to the calling hours or service. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Elizabeth’s family.
Steve and John,
Even though we’ve not seen one another in the last several years, I will always remember your lovely mother with a great fondness. She greeted everyone with her beautiful smile and a kind word.
She gave so many children in HCS a great start in their kindergarten years.
Peace and prayers to you both and to your families.
Marsha Carrier Fitzgerald