RICHFIELD SPRINGS - Marie Starr, 85, of Elm Street Extension, passed away peacefully Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009, in Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital, Cooperstown. She had the comfort of her family at her side. She was born Aug. 7, 1924, in Schenectady, a daughter of the late Stanley and Mary Pierce Budka. Raised and educated in Schenectady, she graduated high school from there. She had resided in Richfield Springs since 1945, where she married Sidney Starr. She was a former member of the Richfield Springs Grange. Marie was a kind and caring person who always put others first. As the cornerstone of the family, she truly lived by the motto "family first." She was proud of her family, treasuring the time spent with them and sharing in their joys. In good times and sad, she was always there. She found peace and tranquility in writing poetry. Many can remember her baking skills, especially the wedding cakes she would decorate. In her younger days, snowmobiling and roller skating were among her many pastimes of pleasure. To all who knew her, they will remember her contagious smile, a joyous laughter and her wondrous spirit for life. She will be truly missed. Surviving are three sons, Derrick Starr and his wife, Carol, Mitchell Starr and his wife, Bonnie, and Christopher Starr, all of Richfield Springs; six grandchildren, Jeffery, Kama Lynn, Christopher Lee, Michael Paul, Taylor Dana and Hannah Leigh Starr, two great-grandchildren, Adam and Carson Starr; and several nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Lee Star; a brother, George Flansburgh; and a sister, Delores Lasher. The family will be present in J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, 40 West James St., Richfield Springs from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday evening. Expression of sympathy may be made to the Richfield Springs Emergency Rescue Squad. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. A gathering for a celebration of Marie's life will be held at a later date and time to be announced.