Martha Cary Manilla (Marty)

1/25/26

Martha Cary Manilla (Marty), 93, passed away peacefully at her home on January 25, 2026 after a long illness. Marty was born and raised in Baldwinsville, New York, graduating from C.W. Baker High School in Baldwinsville, New York in 1950.

In that time, she was a proud resident and an active member of her town and school. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Cornell University in 1954 and a subsequent Master of Science Degree in Education from Syracuse University. She then began a long career as an elementary school teacher in the Skaneateles Central School District where she touched the lives of hundreds of students and families. It was in Skaneateles that she met her future husband, John.

They married in 1956 and made Skaneateles their forever home. They not only raised their four children there, but were also active members of the community. Marty was an avid reader and was a master at crossword puzzles. She loved playing Bridge and was able to do so right up until her death. She loved the game of golf and was a 65-year member of the Skaneateles Country Club. But most of all, she loved her four children, eleven grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. It was through them that she received the most joy.

Marty was predeceased by her husband, John, her parents, Annie B. Cary and Richard E. Cary of Baldwinsville, New York, and her brother, John C. Cary (Jane), of Convent Station, New Jersey.

She is survived by her four children – John J. (Stephanie) of Fairport, NY and sons Martin (Mallory), and James (Lea) both of Rochester, NY; Cindy (Tom) and children Meghan, Tommy (Shayla), and Patrick of Sherman, Texas; Beth (Joe) of North Venice, FL and children Stephen (Christy) of Washington, DC., Michael (Elisa) of Austin, TX, and Jenny of Philadelphia, PA; and Martha (Mark) of Yardley, PA and children Kevin (Sam) of Philadelphia, PA, Michael (Sam) of Yardley, PA, and Madeline of Yardley, PA. She will also be remembered as Gigi to her seven great grandchildren and as Aunt Marty to her many nieces and nephews.

There will be no calling hours and her burial will be private. Friends and family are welcome to attend a celebration of Marty’s life on Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 11am-1pm at The Sherwood Inn in Skaneateles, New York.

Donations can be made to the John H. Manilla Scholarship Fund, American Legion Post 239, PO Box 24, Skaneateles, NY 13152 in Marty’s name.

The family would like to give special thanks to the extraordinary caregivers who made Marty’s final days peaceful and comforting. Their kindness, gentle care and grace will never be forgotten.

To send condolences, visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.