Roxanne Martyniuk

On Tuesday morning, February 28, 2023, Roxanne Martuscello Martyniuk, 69, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend died peacefully at her home in Dolgeville with her family at her side. 

Born in Amsterdam NY, she was the 2nd of seven children of Joseph and Camille Martuscello. In 1963, the Martuscello family moved to Little Falls NY where she quickly made many lifelong friends. Following graduation from Little Falls High School in 1971, Roxanne pursued a career in nursing. Starting out as a Nurse’s Aide with Van Allen’s Nursing Home, she went on to earn her LPN Certificate and License from Herkimer BOCES Adult LPN Program in 1976. 

For close to 10 years, Roxanne found purpose and satisfaction as an LPN with Little Falls Hospital, caring for her patients on 3-West and enjoying the camaraderie of her colleagues there. Shortly after moving to Dolgeville NY in 1983, Roxanne became a trusted and dependable team member of the local Tri-County Medical office under the supervision of Dr. Michael Abraham. In 2016, in her desire to become more involved in her community, Roxanne joined the Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star, Dolgeville. As an active member, she served as Chaplain until her early retirement in 2023. 

Roxanne was a multi-talented woman who loved dancing, watching old musicals, singing along with “Ol’ Blue Eyes" and listening to Vivaldi and Pachelbel. Among her many creative pursuits, Roxanne’s favorite activities included those she could share: taking Wilson Bickford painting classes with her sisters or leading her own ‘Paint and Sip’ classes with her children and grandchildren. She loved to cross-stitch, knit and crochet and was happy to teach anyone who needed instructions or help. She created beautiful aprons and quilts for her family and friends and enjoyed several quilting excursions with her sisters. In fact, she was always available to lend a hand when it came time to hand-stitch the binding on a sister’s quilt and she loved shopping for fabric in order to start a new sewing project. Roxanne relished her time at her camp on Canadarago Lake, hosting large family gatherings that most often included a boat ride or a fish boil; she found contentment tending her vegetable garden there and always shared its bounty with whoever was visiting. She found much joy in cooking, making huge Sunday dinners for everyone and sharing her favorite recipes in specially hand-made cookbooks for her children. She will always be remembered for her deliciously decorated cakes and her amazing Christmas cookies. 

As a loving and affectionate wife and mother, Roxanne thrived on the time spent with her husband and three boys. She was steadfast in supporting her children as they pursued their dreams. Whenever she could, Roxanne doted on her precious grandchildren; she loved each of them dearly and savored watching them grow. 

Roxanne leaves behind her devoted husband of 42 years, David Martyniuk; three children: Jason (Debbie) Cunningham, Kornel (Christina) Martyniuk, Joseph (Adrienne) Martyniuk; grandchildren: Hailey and Amelia, Ethan and Evan, Nathaniel and Dominic and step-grandchildren: Malachi, Noah and Meredith; sisters: Rosalyn (Charlie) Carroll, Nanette (Joel) Scogin, Yvonne (Fred) Kovits, Michelle (Jonathan) Miles and brother: William (Christine) Martuscello; sister-in-law: Mary (Dave) Caracane and brothers-in-law: Peter (Janie) Martyniuk, Charles Martyniuk. Roxanne was blessed with several precious nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, cousins and good friends. She was predeceased by her beloved brother, Joseph Martuscello; parents, Joseph and Camille; and her beautiful Siberian Husky, Sasha.

Roxanne will always be remembered for her wonderful laugh and beautiful smile, her generous and caring spirit, her deep love and affection for her large family. Despite being diagnosed with breast cancer over 10 years ago, her enthusiasm and good cheer rarely ever failed her even as the disease slowly metastasized. Clearly, Roxanne fought the good fight and she will be sorely missed by all who loved her. 

Her family would like to extend its thanks to all who cared for her throughout the many years of her illness, especially Dr. Haas and all the physicians involved in her care.