Mrs. Mary J. Sakowski, 78, of N. Utica, passed away on Monday, January 25, 2016 at her home with her loving family by her side. Mary was born July 11, 1937 in Theresa, NY, the daughter of Joseph and Louise (Bacon) Lawton and received her education in Theresa. In 1977 Mary married James W. Sakowski, a devoted union of 37 years until James' death in 2014. Mary was the most loving and caring mother, grandmother, great grandmother sister and aunt one could ever ask for. Her kindness, compassion and willingness to help those in need was evident from the moment you met her. Her heart and home was always open to family, friends and even people she barely knew and the children in the neighborhood felt as if she were a second mother to them. Mary was lovingly known as momma bear and her children were her cubs. She was a true Christian in every sense of the word. Mrs. Sakowski is survived by five daughters, Mary and Joe Cree of Syracuse, Tammie and Joe DeGiglio of Utica, Kimberly and Douglas DeMichele of Utica, Michelle Brinkley and Brian Salada of Utica and Lori Brinkley of Utica; one son, Frank Brinkley and Debbie Ruffule of Utica; 13 cherished grandchildren who affectionately called her Nonnie, Timothy Makuch, Misty Cree, Michael Brinkley, Louis Rolon, III, Joseph Brinkley, Shelby Salada, Johnny Brinkley, Frankie Brinkley, Jr., Ally Salada, Antonio Rolon, Shaelee Lusk, Jessica Lusk and Gianni Villanueva; one adored great grandson, Michael Brinkley, Jr.; one sister, Gladys Palladino of Deferiet, NY; one brother, Carleton Lawton of Deferiet, NY; a dear friend, Linda McConnell, as well as many nieces and nephews and her canine companion, Josey Joe. She was predeceased by many brothers and sisters. Mrs. Sakowski's funeral will be held on Friday, January 29, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., N. Utica. Her burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Utica. Calling hours for family and friends are Thursday (today) from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Those wishing to make a donation in Mary's memory, please consider the American Cancer Society or Stevens-Swan Humane Society. Mrs. Sakowski's family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc. especially Crystal and Ann and to Dr. Atul Butala and his staff for the wonderful care and compassion you provided to Mary.