Catherine "Kay" Martin Hinkley

Catherine (Kay) Martin Hinkley passed away peacefully on June 21, 2012 in Ithaca, after a life full of integrity. Fittingly, her life on earth ended on the last day of the school year and the first day of summer. In all of her years as a teacher, finishing the school year and starting summer vacation signified a new beginning.
Kay was born on October 8, 1918 in Selkirk, NY, where she was raised on a farm with three brothers and three sisters by Grace and William Martin. She was the salutatorian of Ravena High School's class of 1935 before attending Oneonta State College, where she graduated in 1940, and then continued her studies at Albany State Teachers College. In March 1938 Kay met the love of her life, Vincent Hinkley, while square dancing in Delhi, NY. After falling in love, Uncle Sam whisked Vincent away in 1941 to WWII, so it wasn't until April 11, 1944 that they were finally married in Albany, NY while he was home on a weekend furlough. While "Vint" was oversees serving as master gunner on a B-29 bomber, Kay pursued her teaching career teaching primary grades in East Greenbush Central School. Kay cherished his telegrams and cards, and when the war finally ended, their married life truly began as they settled in Albany, NY.
Ithaca became their permanent home in 1949 where they started a family. Kay was a devoted mother to her daughter, Marilyn, and son, Vincent, proudly supporting all of their activities, including 4-H and scouting. Kay's notorious baking of delicious cookies, cakes, and pies was enjoyed by her husband, children, grandchildren, and their friends. As a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Ithaca, she taught Sunday school and continued to be an active member of the church throughout her life. Upon her retirement in 1983 from Cornell she filled her free time with volunteer work at the Service League and travel throughout the country with her husband.
Following her husband's death in November 1999, Kay expanded on her passion for helping others with her volunteer efforts and active participation with the church. She was well known for her competitive pinochle skill and ability to complete daily word jumbles to remain sharp as a tack. Her grandchildren kept the sparkle in her eyes and she always looked forward to family gatherings. Letters to family and close friends painted vivid pictures of her daily life that will be treasured forever.
In 2006 she sold the family home on Slaterville Road before moving to Longview, where she enjoyed her new smaller community, meeting and enjoying many new and old friends alike, and continuing her passion for playing pinochle on a weekly basis.
Kay was predeceased by her loving husband, her parents, and her six siblings. She is survived by her son Vincent Hinkley, her daughter Marilyn Mazza and Chip Dauber; her grandchildren Daniel Mazza, Christina Mazza, Michael and Chelan Mazza; and great-grandchildren Isabella and Amila. Scores of friends who knew her as a teaching colleague, volunteer, and neighbor will miss her sharp mind, kind heart and gentle spirit.
Services in remembrance of Kay include calling hours at Bangs Funeral Home Tuesday, June 26 from 4-6pm, and the funeral at the First Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, June 27 at 11am. A private burial will precede the service. Kay's family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Kay's memory to Hospicare of Tompkins County, 172 E. King Road, Ithaca, NY or The First Presbyterian Church, 315 N. Cayuga Street. Ithaca, NY.