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DUNKIRK/BATAVIA/BETHANY - Marian F. Sisson, 91, of Dunkirk, formerly of Batavia and Bethany, passed away Friday, January 25, 2019, at the Chautauqua Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Dunkirk.

Marian was born November 15, 1927, in Avon, a daughter of the late John and Martha (Mulroy) Clark.

She was a Licensed Practical Nurse and worked with her husband as Family Care Providers in the Family Care Program from West Seneca Developmental Center for over 20 years.  Both she and her husband were awarded the "Top Home Care Providers" in the State of New York by the Western NY Developmental Disabilities Service Office (DDSO). 

Marian loved music and was an active participant in any activities involving music.  She loved flowers and tended to her own garden.  She was happiest as her life revolved around her family. 

She was the wife of the late Donald G. Sisson who died on June 24, 2009.

Survivors include 3 sons, Thomas (Rosemary) Sisson of Canandaigua, David (Dawn) Sisson of Batavia and Steven (Donna) Sisson of Richmond, VA; 2 daughters, Margaret Sisson (Sue Rocque) of Fredonia and Patricia (Richard) Hoagland of Fredonia; 7 grandchildren,  Brian (Cheryl) Sisson, Kristy Sisson Valdivia, Kevin (Cheryl) McAllister, Kailee Sisson, Andrea Sisson, Daniel Sisson and Caroline Sisson; 6 great-grandchildren, Drew Sisson, Lucy Sisson, Charly Sisson, Lucas McAllister, Brycen McAllister and Owen McAllister; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

She is predeceased by her siblings, James (Helen) Clark, John Clark, Edward (Maureen) Clark, Marguerite (Deston) Paddock, Genevieve (Lewis) Paine, Martha (Gerald) Smith, Alice (Richard) Kosakowski and Dorothy (William) Stoltman.

Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday at Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 E. Main St, Batavia.  Marian's Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am on Saturday at Resurrection Parish, St. Joseph's Church, 303 E. Main St., Batavia.  Burial, at a later date, will be in West Bethany Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Marian’s name to the Chautauqua Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, 10836 Temple Road, Dunkirk, New York 14048 for the Music Therapy program.   To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com. 

Please note the changes for the calling hours and Funeral Mass.  These changes were due to the severe weather expected in the next few days.

Mary worked as a bookkeeper for Thomas & Dwyer Shoes in Batavia for many years before retiring in 2000.  During retirement she volunteered for several years in a kindergarten class at John Kennedy School. She was an active member of the Batavia First United Methodist Church for over 50 years, where she led youth fellowship groups, was a member of the McNabb class, took part in the many church fundraising events, and assisted members by bringing them to church services when they no longer could drive.  She and her late husband Harold were also members of the Genesee County Fish and Game Association for over 50 years, enjoying summers camping when their kids were young, and picnics with the extended family.  Mary enjoyed reading, classical music, crossword puzzles, and baking her well known pastries. Her home could often be found filled with family, friends, board games, sweets, and kind laughter.     

Survivors include her son Peter Alwardt (Gisela Scharein), her daughters Donna (Michael) Turner and Marsha (Dennis) Ball, five grandchildren; Vincent Alwardt Anderson, Erin Turner, Matthew Turner, Avery Ball and Owen Ball, as well as her sisters Doris (late Everett) Norris and Dorothy (Donald) Norris and several nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. Mary will be laid to rest by her family in the West Bethany Cemetery.  A private service and celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary's memory may be made to the Batavia First United Methodist Church, 8221 Lewiston Rd, Batavia, NY 14020. For more information please call 585-343-8260 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.