Marie G. Pittsley

Marie G. (Spinella) Pittsley, of Norwich, NY, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at the age of 75.

Born on December 30, 1949, in Norwich, NY, Marie was the daughter of the late Dominic and Caroline Hendrickson Spinella. She embodied a spirit of warmth, kindness, and unwavering dedication to her family and community.

A retired employee of Empire State College, Marie devoted many years of her professional life to the noble pursuit of education and support. Prior to her tenure at the college, she served with distinction in the Chenango County Department of Social Services and the New York State Department of Corrections, roles that allowed her to make meaningful contributions to the welfare of others.

In her personal life, Marie was a vibrant soul. An honorary member of the 4-H Club, she took immense joy in watching the enthusiastic participants complete their projects. Her love for family was paramount; she reveled in the pursuit of chasing her grandchildren, embracing each moment spent with them as precious and irreplaceable.

Marie is survived by her loving husband, Veryl Pittsley, with whom she shared 43 wonderful years of marriage, creating a legacy of love and partnership. Her daughters, Mary Ann (Peter) Graham of Winter Haven, FL, Trish (Brett Eccleston) Kelsey of Truxton, and Erin (Steven) Graham of South Otselic, along with her son, Jedadiah (Jennifer) Pittsley of Cincinnatus, carry forward her legacy of compassion and grace. She is further survived by her brother, Joseph Spinella of Norwich; her sister, Josephine (Danny) Winchester of Kernersville, NC; and a number of brothers-in-law, including John Price of Greene, Vance Pittsley and Virgil Pittsley of South Carolina, Valden Pittsley of McDonough, and sister-in-law Pat Pittsley of German. Additionally, Marie’s family expands to include 11 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, all of whom will hold dear the memories of time spent with their beloved matriarch, along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins whose lives she touched.

Preceding her in death are her son, James Kelsey, Jr., who left this world in 2019, along with many siblings and her brother-in-law, Vern Pittsley. Their spirits surely welcome her into eternal rest.

Funeral services will be held at the K.L. Sharp Funeral Home, Cincinnatus, NY, on Monday, October 27, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. with Reverend Peter Bush officiating. Burial will be in Wayside Rest Cemetery. The family will be present to receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 11:00 a.m. until the start of the service at 1:00 p.m. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Marie may be made to Valley Buster’s 4-H or Otselic Valley FFA, c/o Erin Graham, 286 Ridge Road, South Otselic, NY 13155. Friends are invited to join the family at the United Presbyterian Church of Cincinnatus, 5695 Deer Path Lane, Cincinnatus, NY, immediately following the committal service for a time of remembrance and fellowship.

As we celebrate her remarkable journey, we remember not only the life she lived but the countless hearts she touched along the way.