I graduated from high school and college with Martha. She was always friendly and highly successful, but I didn't truly have an opportunity to know her until she offered her home and airport transportation when I flew to Syracuse for our mutual friend's memorial service. During that stay she raised my consciousness by showing me what a deep commitment to charity and service to others could look like. The world has lost an extraordinary and compassionate woman. Mike, please know that Pat and I are thinking of you and appreciate all that you and Martha have done to uplift us and others.

I taught sixth grade at the Chester Driver Middle school with Martha before she married Mike. That was in the 70's when we were in teams of two teachers sharing sixty children. Although not Martha's team teaching partner we shared a wall as her classroom was right next to mine. I got to really know and love Martha during our time at Driver. In fact Martha was the first person I knew to always start her day with a Pepsi, never coffee. Her classroom was always decorated with fascinating bulletin boards. She also had many different kinds of small animals in cages to enrich the science lives of her students. After one vacation break Martha came back to her classroom to find a cage door open and a hamster missing(or was it a gerbil--so many years ago!).Eight six grade teachers spent days searching for that animal only never to be found.

Martha left teaching and the middle school to pursue the library job and we lost contact. Several years ago I ran into her which provided an opportunity to get caught up. I am so pleased that chance reunion happened.

Mike and Liz, I am so sorry for your loss.

Barb Genton

I am heartbroken! Martha and I worked together for 13+ years at Cayuga Community College. During that time she became much more than a colleague. She was a trusted advisor and confidant and wonderful friend. We had many long talks over the years on a whole host of subjects, and stayed in touch via Facebook when I moved on from CCC. The world has lost a wonderful thoughtful, caring, intelligent woman. To her loving family, my deepest sympathies. I will keep all of you in my prayers.

Mike and Liz and family,

We are so sorry to learn of the loss of your beloved wife and mom. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. While words are never enough, know that so many of us care deeply and share your sorrow. The memories of many friendly chats with Martha on our morning village walks will always be treasured.

Sincerely,

Sam and Candy Dance

I am so sorrry to hear of Martha’s passing. Martha was a much loved Potsdam roommate of mine for 4 years. She was my best friend there! We shared wonderful times together, many laughs, and clothes! Martha was a sweet, kind, and extremely talented woman and I always felt her love and friendship. It breaks my heart to know that she has passed. My deepest sympathies to her husband , family, and friends. Martha was a very special person who will be sorely missed! Pauline Parks Kinstrey

My sincere condolences to Mike, Lizzie, Oliver and Jack.

I worked with Martha at Cayuga Community College for nearly 22 years. Together we accomplished many things not the least of which was automating the library—three times. Martha’s leadership helped to propel Cayuga into the forefront of SUNY and here we were one of SUNY’s smallest campuses leading the way.

To say that she was my right hand would be an understatement. She was smart and curious. She would never say “no” and if she didn’t understand it, she would work until she did. The technical side of the Library was her specialty but really it was working with and helping students and faculty where she excelled. She was as fine a librarian as I have ever known.

We don’t know God’s plan but have to trust that somehow this all fits in. Martha lived her life in an exemplary way—always looking out for others. Beyond the library world my greatest memories of Martha are her baking/cooking skills. Many times as I was working my way through an Apple Pie or Sticky Buns, I turned to Martha and said, “you know you could easily poison me because if you make it, you know I’ll eat it.”

Gone too soon but certainly a life well lived. I am grateful to have walked by her side and to have had her in my life. God bless the Lollis family.

Doug Michael

It was my pleasure and honor to work with Martha at Cayuga Community College. She assisted my students with their research assignments with true professionalism and an encouraging demeanor. Her positive attitude and friendliness made her one of the most valuable and best liked members of the faculty. My sincere condolences go out to her family and friends, please know she will be missed by all who knew and worked with her. Lee Abbott

As a fellow graduate In the West Genesee class of 1966, I can’t say enough about the wonderfully giving life that Martha led. From a giving friend to an even more giving volunteer. Martha was a brilliant woman as stated by so many. She will be missed by her classmates and especially those that continued close friendships with her all these years. May she feel love of God and May peace come to her family in this difficult time.

Mike and Liz

So sorry. Martha was a very special person. Prayers that Jesus will watch over your family. Will keep you all in our prayers.

Mike and Terry Hall and family

Mike, Liz and family,

I am so sorry for your loss. I loved Martha and will miss her very much. She was always so nice to our family. One thing I remember is when mom's dog muffin ate your couch. Mom was so upset about it and Martha said don't worry about it. We love dogs. I loved all the delicious things she would cook. She was an amazing woman. I am sorry you did not make it up to New Brunswick. We would have had a great time. She is in heaven with mom now having a good time until she sees you again. Love you all.

Alice

There was little that Martha did that was not well done. I remember buying a spectacular pie at a fundraiser that Martha had made. She shared the recipe, incredulous that anyone would think that this wonderful dessert was anything special. I also recall the enormous amount of work that she put in as President of the Board of Trustees at the Marcellus Free Library ... more than anyone could have expected. She was generous to a fault, kind, ...all of the things that we wish to be.

Mike and Liz, our hearts go out to you. May God give you the strength to endure this loss.

Ann and Jerry Ferro

To Mike and family;

I am so sorry for your loss! Martha was the most generous, loving and unselfish woman I've ever known. She shared herself with everyone, in deeds and spirit. I loved working with her over the years in Liturgy at St. Francis. She was such a wonderful lector; I am sure I share my opinion with many others: that we were so glad when she was reading! She will be sorely missed; may God grant you all the courage to go on without her! My prayers are with you! Terry Kotlarz

Mike and Liz I am so sorry to hear of Marthas passing. Such a sweet person, treating my grandkids as her own and always having treats for my dog. She will be missed by so many, she touched so many in her life. Rip

Martha was a great friend that I met when I began working at Francis House. We shared a love of books and cooking (she cooked and I enjoyed it). Mike, Lizzie and the rest of the Lollis family...there is a void in my heart and I know that her memory is a true blessing to all who knew her. Much love to all, Rea