Marylee P. Ackley

Marylee Palmatier Ackley, 89, of Norwich, passed away in the loving presence of her daughters at the Mercy House on Thursday, September 11, 2025. Marylee was born in Syracuse, New York on March 9, 1936 to Dr. C.J. and Edith (Knapp) Palmatier. She lived in Norwich through grade school and high school and graduated in 1954. Marylee graduated Magna Cum Laude from Syracuse in 1958 and was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority.

In June 1958 she married Edward Ackley in the Broad Street United Methodist Church. They celebrated 58 years of marriage together. Looking at her dance cards, Marylee always saved her first and last dance for Ed.

When Ed became a sales representative for Bennett-Ireland, a fireplace insert and tool manufacturer in Norwich, they moved to Maryland and then Illinois. She taught grade school until choosing to devote her time at home and with her family. Marylee and Ed returned to Norwich in 1967 when Ed became sales manager, deciding to raise their family in their hometown.

Marylee’s greatest joy was her children and helping to care for her grandchildren. She was even fortunate enough to enjoy time with her great grandchildren. She enjoyed being a Scout leader, hospital volunteer, member of the Town and Country Garden Club, as well as spending time traveling, cooking and antiquing. She was an active member and advocate of Planned Parenthood during its early years.

Marylee is survived by her daughters, Julianne Taylor (Brian Aikins) and Lynette Adams (Joey); grandchildren Natalie Taylor (Brandon Benson), Zachary Taylor (Kayla Eramo), Kali Adams (Maddie Alton), and Collin Adams; and great grandchildren Addison, Fynlee, and Haisley Taylor. She was predeceased by her husband Ed in 2016.

Marylee’s family wishes to thank their extended family and dedicated staff of the Chenango Valley Home where she lived for the past seven years, the Palliative Care team at Wilson Memorial, and the kind angels of the Mercy House who were there for her and her daughters.

To honor Marylee’s wishes a private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family in Mt. Hope Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please consider contributions to the Chenango Valley Home, 24 Canasawacta Street, Norwich, NY 13815, Mercy House of the Southern Tier, 212 North McKinley Avenue, Endicott, NY 13760, or the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance, 8737 Colesville Road Suite 400, Silver Spring, MD 20910.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted with the Wilson Funeral Home.