Marion Flint Fletcher 95 (the oldest person in Vermontville) passed away on December 9, 2012 surrounded by her loving family in the home she grew up in Vermontville. It is now owned by Roger and Bunny Symonds, with whom she has lived most of the last six years. Born in Saranac Lake January 12, 1917, she was the daughter of Lulu Helen Chase and Carlton Wade Abbott. On October 30, 1934 she married the love of her life, Rockwood Flint, at her childhood home. He predeceased her on August 30, 1966. On June 5, 1971, she married James Fletcher in Vermontville who predeceased her on September 14, 1998

Marion worked at the Dress Factory in Saranac Lake and was also a Nurses Aid at AMC and Uihlein Mercy Center until she retired at the age of 62.

Her greatest passions were her children, their spouses and all of their families. Marion, better known to all as Grandma Ma, will not only be remembered for her ginger ale and sherbet shakes, but for her strength, kindness and wonderful sense of humor. She always put a smile on everyone’s face. She enjoyed country music, reading, watching her TV shows (with her favorite being “Dancing with the Stars“), crocheting, looking out the window at the birds and her beloved ledge and brook reminiscing of the days when she was a child. Marion owned squirrel monkeys (this is where the love of her monkeys came from). Later in life Marion started collecting many plush stuffed monkeys of any size or color, many as gifts from her family.

Her favorite place to eat was McKenzie’s Grill in Saranac Lake, especially since her grandson John works there. If the choice were hers, she would have eaten there everyday!!! Marion also loved her little red car that her grandson Roger restored for her. She would travel all over the North Country including making trips to Canton to visit her daughter Rhonda and her family. When Marion could no longer drive, she looked forward to her children taking her for rides to see the deer, horses, llamas, cows, calves, etc.

Left to cherish her memory are five daughters and their husbands, Ardeth and Thomas (Bud) Goff, Lorna and Pete Shene, Meredith (Bunny) and Roger Symonds, Wanda and John Burcume (all of Vermontville), Rhonda and Rodger Burcume of Canton and one son Leland and wife Wanda Flint of Saranac Lake. She has 18 grandchildren, 40 great grandchildren, 8 great great grandchildren and another one on the way. We can’t forget her loving orange cat Kit Cat.

She was predeceased by her parents, her two husbands, one granddaughter, Brenda Oliver, one grandson, Leland (Chip) Flint, a great granddaughter, Brenda Manny, a son- in- law William Oliver and her little dog Cricket.

Calling hours will take place from 2 to4 and 6 to 8 on Tuesday, Dec. 11 at the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, Dec.12 at 11:00 am at the Funeral Home with Rev. David Drake officiating. Internment service will follow at the Union Cemetery in Vermontville.


Friends wishing to remember Marion can make memorial contributions to Tri-Lakes Humane Society, Hospice of Saranac Lake or Saranac Lake Rescue Squad who were exceptionally caring and understanding. Family and friends can also share their memories and sign the online guestbook at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.

Provide comfort for the family by planting a tree in memory of Marion Flint Fletcher (Abbott), please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.