Mary H. Eccleston

Mary H. (Boise) Eccleston, 93, of Cincinnatus, NY, passed away on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at her home, while surrounded by her loving family.

Mary was born in Georgetown, NY, on June 12, 1931, the daughter of the late Walter and Henrietta Hicks Boise. A proud 1948 graduate of Sherburne Central School, Mary spent two decades as a cook at Cincinnatus Central School. Her commitment to helping others extended beyond her career, as she dedicated many years to volunteering for RSVP at the Willet-Cincinnatus Senior Center and Cortland-Chenango Rural Services. It was in these roles that her caring nature truly shone, impacting the lives of many who benefited from her generosity.

Mary is remembered not only for her professional contributions but also for her vibrant personality. She cherished her Tuesday morning coffee hour group and relished daily conversations with her longtime friend, Mary Lou Pudney. Above all, her family was her greatest treasure. Mary possessed a strong, uplifting, and determined spirit that remained with her until the very end, always ensuring that those around her received the love and care they required.

Mary leaves behind her beloved daughters Janice (Richard) Sloan of Harford, Linda (Mitchel) Eccleston of Cincinnatus, Connie (Larry) McFarland of Tennessee, and Christine (Chris Smith) Aiken of Cincinnatus. She is also survived by her stepdaughter Yvonne (Richard) Parizo of New Port Richey, FL, and her stepson-in-law Baudel Martinez of Lake Wales, FL. Additionally, Mary is survived by her sister-in-law Jean Boise of Sherburne, as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins who will miss her dearly.

She was predeceased by her husband, Robert Eccleston, with whom she shared 46 cherished years until his passing on February 11, 2020, as well as her brothers David Boise, Charles Boise, and Clayton Boise, her stepdaughter Dawn Martinez, and her step-grandson Robbie Martinez.Mary’s life was a testament to the power of love and community. Her legacy will forever inspire those who knew her as they carry forward the warmth and compassion that she so effortlessly shared during her lifetime.

Memorial services will be held at the K.L. Sharp Funeral Home on Friday, March 14, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. with Jeanne Angell officiating. Burial will be in Taylor Rural Cemetery in the spring. The family will be present to receive friends at the funeral home from 2:00 p.m. until the start of the service at 3:00 p.m. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mary may be directed to the Cincinnatus Emergency Squad, c/o Jeffrey Fox, P.O. Box 239, Cincinnatus, NY 13040.