Write a commentMary L. Kilmer, 90, of Oswego, NY, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.
Born in Fulton, NY, on February 27, 1935, to the late Charles and Mary Sivalia, Mary’s life was marked by a passion for learning, a love of books, and a dedication to family and community. She was predeceased by her daughter, Terri Johnson-Gynn (Thomas); her son, Hal Johnson (Wendy); her brothers James, Daniel, Francis, and Richard; and her son-in-law, Thomas Pacholyk.
Mary is survived by her children, Jill Pacholyk (Thomas Taylor) of Weedsport, NY; David Johnson (Michelle) of Castle Rock, CO; and Patricia Kilmer-Licourt (Lawrence) of Oswego, NY; her daughter-in-law, Wendy Johnson; and her son-in-law, Thomas Gynn. She leaves behind nine beloved grandchildren—Stephanie (Dennis), Caitlin (Carl), Trevor, Brady (Kelly), Travis (Courtney), Jared, Heather (Brandon), Nicole, and Lawrence IV—twelve great-grandchildren—Julie, David, Nathan, Tucker, Natalie, Devin, Nash, Ford, Rory, Lainey, Callum, and Maeve—two great-great-grandchildren, Aria and Jaxon, and many nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.
A proud graduate of Fulton High School (Class of 1952), Mary earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from SUNY Oswego in 1956 and later a Master’s degree in Library Science from Syracuse University in 1973. She began her career at the Oswego City Library while completing her graduate studies, later working in the Book Processing Center before joining the Oswego High School Library. She served as the high school librarian, inspiring generations of students with her warmth, knowledge, and commitment to literacy, before retiring from the Oswego City School District in 2000 after 25 years of dedicated service.
Mary’s love of books extended far beyond her profession—she was an active member of two book clubs, several writing groups, including the Parish Writers and Granby Memoir Group, and was the family’s dedicated genealogist, carefully preserving and sharing their history. Her curiosity and adventurous spirit took her across the world, including trips to England, Italy, Portugal, and most memorably, a journey to her ancestral homeland of France in 2011 with her daughter Jill. She also cherished her time in Paris, specifically, delighting in its art, history, and charm.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, August 29, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Nelson Funeral Home in Oswego, followed by a funeral service at 1:00 p.m. A reception will immediately follow at Kristen’s Kitchen at Battle Island beginning at 2:00 p.m. Arrangements are under the caring guidance of Nelson Funeral Home.
