HUDSON FALLS
– Marillyn Doty Stickney, 87, of Hudson Falls, joined her loved ones on Friday,
June 07, 2019 at Haynes House of Hope in Granville.
She was born
on November 26, 1931, Thanksgiving morning at home in Hudson Falls, to E.
Arnold Stone and Ferne (Stedman) Stone.
At an early
age, in Sunday School, she began to sing for church functions. She attended
Hudson Falls Public Schools and was very active. She was drum majorette, choir
performer and member of student council. Marillyn also participated in
broadcasting and drama. Always maintaining honor grades, she graduated in the
top ten students. Marillyn received a full scholarship for further education,
which she pursued for a while, attending Ellis Hospital of Nursing and Union
College.
After
marrying Donald H. Doty in 1951, she participated in singing lessons with
various area coaches. She became choir director in Fort Edward Methodist
Church. Marillyn became a member of the Glens Falls Operetta Club (GFOC) in the
1960’s and learned all phases of production, on stage and backstage. Marillyn
was most proud of singing at the New York World’s Fair for two years, 1964 and
1965. During her time with the GFOC, she served in many offices, eventually
becoming president.
She met and
was in the company of many state and federal office holders: a governor, vice
president and president of the United States. All the while, preparing lovely
dinners and holidays for friends and family at her home.
She and
Donald had two daughters, Barbara Ferne and Christine Elsie. They were their
parents’ pride and joy always. Both parents were actively involved in PTA and
scouting for the girls. Marillyn also volunteered at the Hospital Guild and
chamber of commerce.
Marillyn
worked for Hilton Industries as a supervisor in electronics where she was
productive in the research and development area.
In 1987, her
husband Donald died leaving her a widow. By this time, both daughters were
college graduates and on their own. Then
came along an old friend, Commander Harold Stickney, retired from United States
Navy Aviation, and also widowed. She and Harold eventually married and Marillyn
gained four step-children, Elizabeth, Michael, Gerald and Timothy.
Harold and
Marillyn bought a motor home and began touring the country. Both were very interested
in history and pursued that endeavor. In 1992 and 1994, they were blessed with
grandchildren, Timothy and Mary Elizabeth. They are the children of Gerald and
his wife, Catherine, nee Alaimo. Life couldn’t be more complete.
The motor
home life allowed them to make many friends. Eventually, they spent their
winters in Florida, near Cocoa Beach. Again, Marillyn applied her showmanship
in area plays and shows. Winters were resided there until 2006.
Harold
passed away in 2001 and Marillyn moved to senior housing. Not happy to sit
around, she produced and also wrote several skits for residents.
Having established
a Red Hat chapter in Florida, she continued to belong for several years locally
and gained new friends.
Marillyn
excelled at crossword puzzles, Swedish weaving, some painting and needlework,
knitting and sewing. She loved to attend concerts and stage productions.
Marillyn had lovely flower gardens and arrangements.
In addition
to her parents and husbands, she is predeceased by her siblings and their
spouses, Lincoln (Irene) Stone, Elizabeth (Zeke) Stanton, Dorothy (George)
Lemery, Margaret (Charles) Adams and Christine (Jack) Bergeron; her in-laws,
John (Palma) Doty, Lenora (Edward) Harrington and Patricia (Stanley) Szostak;
and her stepson, Timothy J. Stickney.
Survivors include her daughters, Barbara Ferne Doty, Christine Elsie Doty and her longtime companion, Robert Blair; her step-brother, Arthur (Jean) Stone; her step-daughter, Elizabeth Pierkowski; her step-sons, Michael and Gerald (Catherine) Stickney and their children, Timothy and Mary Elizabeth; and several nieces and nephews.
Friends may
call on Monday, June 10, 2019 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home,
Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.
A Funeral Service
will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 11, 2019 at Hudson Falls Methodist Church,
227 Main Street in Hudson Falls with the Reverend David Lockwood, officiating.
Interment will take place at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 12, 2019 at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery on Duel Road in the town of Stillwater..
Donations in
Marillyn’s name may be made to Haynes House of Hope, 7187 NY-149, Granville, NY
12832 or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis,
TN 38105 or Glens Falls Community Theatre, P.O. Box 687, Glens Falls, NY 12801.
