HAMILTON – Mary (Polly) R. Mahoney 85, of Hamilton, NY, died June 9, 2016 at Crouse Community Center after battling a long illness.
Polly was born December 2, 1931 in Hamilton, New York, the daughter of Robert and Margaret Roberts. Polly grew up in Hamilton, New York, not far from the campus of Colgate University. She graduated from Hamilton High school in 1949 and received her degree in elementary education from Wheelock College in 1953. Polly was married to Charles Cooley, a Colgate graduate, in 1954. Polly taught reading and was the coach for girls’ sports at Indian Mountain School in Lakeville, CT from 1967-1969. Polly returned to Hamilton in 1971 where she taught for the Hamilton Central School until her retirement in 1988. Polly’s passion was teaching where she strived to teach life lessons to her students every day.
Polly and Jim Mahoney were married in 1990 and moved to their new home on Spring Street where they both enjoyed golfing on Seven Oaks until Jim’s death in 1998. Polly was an accomplished golfer and won the Seven Oaks Women’s Championship in 1972 and again in 1994. She was also a longtime member of the Utica District Women’s Golf League.
Polly was an avid bridge player and played nearly every week with her friends. Polly served on the Hamilton Community Memorial Hospital Foundation Board and also volunteered countless hours helping out at the Worn Again Clothing Shop in Hamilton. Polly will best be remembered for remarkable sense of humor and her gift for storytelling. Polly loved people and delighted in putting a smile on their faces.
She is survived by her two sons, Christopher (Karen) Cooley of Morrison, CO and Andrew (Claudia) Cooley of Clinton Corners, NY; her grandchildren, Scott Cooley of Broomfield, CO and Heidi Sollars of Littleton, CO, Cameron and Roy Cooley of Clinton Corners, NY; her great grandchildren Miles Cooley of Broomfield, CO and Cooper Hummel of Littleton, CO and numerous nieces and nephews. Polly’s surviving 5 step-children through her marriage to the late James J. Mahoney, are Jeremiah J. Mahoney (Karen Mayberry) of Alexandria, VA; Sharon M. Hickson of Front Royal, VA; Mark J. Mahoney of Buffalo, NY; Brian H. Mahoney of Baltimore, MD, and Patricia M. Dempsey (Rick) of Kennebunkport, ME. Through them, she had 22 step-grandchildren and 21 step-great grandchildren. She was predeceased by a sister Cynthia Tenney of New Hartford, NY. Polly is survived by her sister, Jane Eaton of Norwich, NY, and cousins, William Betts of Earlville, NY and Susan Klotz Lipp of Westhampton Beach, NY.
The family wishes to thank those who cared for Polly during her last journey: Crouse Community Center and their staff for the wonderful care Polly received in the final stages of her life and last, but not least, Polly’s friend for many years, Barbara Ray, who volunteered many hours to help the family with her care.
The family also wishes to thank Liz Harris, Susan Duell and her team for their help and support while their mother resided at home. The family would like to acknowledge and thank Dr. Cohen and his staff for his care and concern of Polly over the years. The family extends their sincere appreciation to the devoted family and friends that encompassed Polly’s circle of life and shared in her joys and sorrows: neighbors, teachers and former students, golfers, bridge players, bowlers, health center friends, Tea & Sale committee, church family, fellow Florida snowbirds. Most of all the family appreciates the Town of Hamilton; Polly took great pride that her family roots were firmly planted in such a wonderful town filled equally with generous people.
A memorial service will be held on June 17, 2016 at 11 AM at the First Baptist Church, 27 Broad Street, Hamilton, NY 13346. Weather permitting, upon exiting memorial service, a group march to the Colgate Inn will be a fitting celebration of her life...a “Polly Parade”. A reception will follow immediately at the Colgate Inn, 1 Payne Street, Hamilton, NY 13346. There are no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Roberts Memorial Fund at Community Memorial Hospital, 150 Broad Street, Hamilton, NY 13346.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home, 25 Broad St., Hamilton, NY. To send a condolence and sign the Book of Memories online go to www.burgessandtedescofuneralhomes.com.