Mary M. "MayMay" Linen

UTICA - Mary M. “MayMay” Linen, age 58, passed away peacefully and angelically on Saturday, December 15, 2018 at MVHS at St. Luke’s Healthcare with her loving family by her side. Born in Belle Glade, Florida on December 5, 1960, Mary was the daughter of Joyce Adams. Her mom took the place of both parents while raising her. She attended Seymour Elementary School and was a graduate of Utica Free Academy/Class of 1978 and was active athletically in basketball and track and field. Mary shared 33 years in a relationship with Anne M. Zielinski. They loved one another and shared the things that were important in one another’s lives. They were soul mates. They fostered a sense of thankfulness for their strong relationship. Mary worked as a counselor with the Summer Program at Camp Healthmore through the auspices of the Cosmopolitan Center. She also held a position as a Flag Person at construction sites, as well as a job in the Dietary Department at the Loretto Utica Center. A sweet yet feisty woman, MayMay was a strong, fearless individual, sometimes combative when a line was crossed. She loved fiercely, and she would sound off and stand up for those she loved. She was always ready to protect and was a counselor for many. Through her insight, she was able to predict the gender of a pregnant woman’s child! As a sister, she connected to each of them in her own special way. As a mom, she was all about structure and order. She would never sanction lying or stealing, and she could see right through it. Actions had consequences, and her children knew it. She kept a watchful eye on her kids and she was proud of her son and who he became, as a dad, and how he handled the world of fatherhood. Mary loved all her family, but her sister-in-law was her special “minx”. She created nicknames for all, and she remembered everyone’s birthday with a phone call to wish them a happy one. She was blessed with a mom who cooked specifically for her preferences, including mac and cheese, and turkey dinners. She said that home cooked meals were a delight and her mom’s were the best. Mary was a funny, funny lady and a comedian at heart; Annie was the subject of much of her comedy. Who will ever forget her signature laugh? MayMay loved pets and her comfort creatures included big dogs and her favorite feline ‘Egypt’. Mary had the ability to read people and keep her emotions in check. Combined with her great hand-eye coordination and her precision moves with a pool stick, she challenged and defeated many. She was a pool shark and an ambitious player who practiced often while her game got better and her confidence grew. MayMay was a huge New York Giants fan and no matter who wagered their team against hers she never backed down. From a very young age, Mary was a talented artist. She sketched in different mediums including pastels, pencil, and charcoal. She was blessed with a creative, imaginative mind, and she saw the world through the eyes of an artist. She also created a children’s board game entitled “Say No to Drugs”. She attended the Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute on a scholarship to study Graphic Art & Design in different mediums. She was a member of the Elks Lodge #421 based in Syracuse. Mary was raised as a member of the Friendship Baptist Church. She was good with the Lord and was spiritual in practicing her faith. In the kitchen of her home hangs a plaque which reads “Christ is the master of the house, the guest at every meal and a silent listener of every conversation”. Mary is survived by her mom, Joyce; her wife, Anne; and her son, Devonn B. Linen. She was also a mother to her step-children, Lee Cole, and Alex Piersma-Cole. She also leaves her grandchildren, Niari Linen, and Syriana Linen, and their mother Fawn Linen, Joshua Godkin; a host of beloved siblings and their loved ones, Rose and Jeff Shealey, James Adams, Sandra Linen, Ronald Adams, Gary Linen, Rebecca Linen-Hernandez and her wife Arlene, Lakiesha Linen-Neal and her husband Artie, Traycee Adams, Jahmilia Adams, Carolyn Adams, and Joeha Adams; her aunts and uncle, Carolyn and Alonzo Gadsen, and Marva Adams; a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, in-laws including Anne’s family who grieves for the loss of Mary who they loved very much; and her wonderful, loyal friends, Sabrina Rice, Diane Rice, and Pam Leonard. She was predeceased by her sister, Katrina Maria Adams, her brother, John Linen, Jr. her uncle, Ivory R. Adams, Jr.; and her sister-in-law, Betsy Linen. The family is grateful to Dr. Sultana Razia, and the staff of the 6th Floor Oncology Unit, and the nurses and staff of the PCU at St. Luke’s Healthcare who went above and beyond in their care and comfort of Mary and her family; and Rev. Charles March who prayed with Mary. Visitation will be held Saturday from 1:30-3:30 at the Friendship Baptist Church, 1004 Albany Street in Utica. Mary’s funeral service and Home Going Celebration will commence on Saturday afternoon at 3:30 at the Church officiated by Rev. Charles March.

Mary M. "MayMay" Linen

December 5, 1960 - December 15, 2018