Marion E. Donnelly

Marion E. Donnelly age 97, died on Friday July 25, 2025 at her home in Fairport.

Friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Saturday August 16, 2025 11am at the United Church of Phelps with Rev. Debra Roher officiating. Private burial will be in Resthaven Cemetery in Phelps.

It is requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the Phelps Historical Society 66 Main Street Phelps, NY 14532.

Marion was born in West Junius, NY the eldest child of Kenneth and Edith Buisch Donnelly. She attended the Crane Department of Music at Potsdam State Teachers College. Her teaching career began in Waterloo, NY where she served as the elementary vocal music teacher. She continued on to teach music in New Hyde Park, Long Island and in1967 returned to the Finger Lakes Region joining the Lyons School faculty.

While in the New York City area, she was active semi-professionally in the Collegiate Chorale, several off-broadway productions and as a church soloist. Furthering her education, she acquired her Masters Degree and additional hours studying at Eastman, the University of Michigan, Ithaca College and Potsdam. Always active in NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) she held offices in Nassau and Wayne Counties.

Upon retiring from active teaching, Marion immediately became a guide for Sparetime Travel serving as local guide for New York State, Ontario and Quebec, Canada.
During this time she served as Secretary for the Phelps Historical Society, Treasurer for Resthaven Cemetery, was active as a choir member of the Phelps United Church, Red Hats and a member of the Tuesday Club. Longtime supporter of the environment and the Arts. Marion was instrumental in the establishment of the Phelps Arts Center in 2006 remaining active until its closure in 2015.

She is survived by her nieces Lisa (Michael Ruocco) Donnelly
Kathleen (Bradley) Jacobs
Nephews
David (Beth) Donnelly
Brian (Gina) Donnelly
Grandnieces Evelyn Jacobs and Olivia Donnelly
Grandnephews Mitchell and Ben Jacobs
Peter Donnelly and Nathan and Brennan Donnelly
She was predeceased by her twin brothers Raymond and Robert Donnelly