Obituary of Martha Sykes

Troy - Martha Sykes, 86, of Troy, died on Thursday, March 27, 2014 after a lengthy illness. She was born Martha Mae Sweeney on December 1, 1927 in Saratoga to the late Clayton Sweeney and Laura Sweeney. She attended St. Mary's Catholic School in Gloversville and was a graduate of Gloversville High School. Martha received her bachelor's degree from Syracuse University and her master's degree from Union College. Upon graduation from Syracuse University, Martha married Leo Sykes of Schenectady. Martha spent many years as an educator, teaching at Linton High School, Hudson Valley Community College, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Siena College. She retired in 1993, after spending 13 years with the New York State Department of Labor. After retiring, Martha worked part-time as an academic tutor. Martha was a caring and devoted mother, grandmother, aunt and sister. She enjoyed nothing more than spending time with her five children and eight grandchildren. She always enjoyed family gatherings, where she often engaged in spirited intellectual conversations and entertained all with her keen sense of humor. Surviving are daughter, Meredith VanDruff of Olney, Maryland, daughter, Rosemary Sykes of New York, New York, son, John Sykes of New York, New York, daughter, Candy Sykes of Raleigh, North Carolina, daughter, Betsy Sykes of Raleigh, North Carolina; sister, Sally McCarthy of Kenmore, New York; eight grandchildren; four nephews and numerous grand-nieces and grand-nephews. The family will receive relatives and friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, April 4, 2014 at Daly Funeral Home, 242 McClellan Street, Schenectady. A funeral mass will be held at St. John the Evangelist Church at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 5, 2014 with burial immediately following at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Gloversville, NY. The family wishes to thank the staff of the Eddy Memorial Geriatric Center for their many years of compassionate and loving care for Martha. Memorial contributions can be made to The Alzheimer's Association , P.O. Box 96011, Washington, D.C. 20090 or www.alz.org.