Mrs. Mary Katherine Key, 82, of Deerfield, NY, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 23, 2026, in the comfort of her daughter’s home, with her loving daughter and son-in-law by her side.

     Mary was born in Texas on March 27, 1944, the daughter of J.C. and Ruth (Nolan) Martin. As a young child, she moved with her family to Pitkin, Louisiana, where she was raised and received her education. On October 26, 1964, Mary was united in marriage to Donald R. Key. Together, they shared 52 loving and devoted years until Donald’s passing in 2016. Mary began her professional career at Faxton Hospital in Utica and later worked at Broadacres Skilled Nursing Facility in Deerfield. For many years, she worked as a hairdresser at the Masonic Home in Utica until her retirement. Mary enjoyed crafting and generously shared her talents by teaching ceramics classes from her home. Above all, her greatest joy was caring for and spending time with her family. She especially treasured summers at the family camp on Piseco Lake, where many cherished memories were made. Mary was also a member of First Baptist Church in North Utica.

     Mrs. Key is survived by her beloved daughter and son-in-law, Tamatha and John Stoetzner of Piseco Lake; her cherished granddaughter, Tiffany M. Fiore of Brooklyn, NY; and her son and daughter-in-law, Roger and Cindy Key of Ohio. She is also survived by her two sisters, Elizabeth Jane Whitney and Margaret Ruth Moore, as well as several nieces and nephews.

     Visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2026, from 12:00 noon until 1:00 p.m. at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., North Utica. Mary’s funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the conclusion of visitation. She will be laid to rest alongside her beloved husband, Donald, in West Schuyler Cemetery, Schuyler, NY. Those wishing to honor Mary’s memory are kindly asked to consider a donation to the Speculator Ambulance Corps, 2920 NY-30, PO Box 282, Speculator, NY 12164, or Mountain Valley Hospice, 108 Steele Ave., Gloversville, NY 12078. Donation envelopes will be available at the funeral home.