Marguerite Heller Dillon Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Proud, life-long Utica resident Marguerite Dillon passed away peacefully on July 8, 2022. The daughter of Marguerite and Leroy Heller was born on September 17, 1931. She was the apple of her father’s eye, who she suddenly lost at age 21. She had an undying love for her older brother, Leroy Heller, who fondly nicknamed her “Dupsie,” a name she was called with great love all of her life. Marguerite had a special relationship with her sister-in-law, Annie, as a lifelong friend and sister she always wanted. Marguerite was educated at Utica Catholic Academy, where she met the love of her life, Jack Dillon. They were married on June 9, 1956. The couple lived in Niagara Falls, NY, while Jack finished his degree in accounting at Niagara University. They then moved back to Utica to care for Marguerite’s mother and Jack’s elderly aunts. Marguerite earned her accounting degree and joined Jack at his accounting firm, where she helped start, build, and manage the business. She was instrumental in their office becoming one of the first computerized accounting practices in central New York. But what most defined Marguerite’s life was her dedication to her family. She was a fiercely devoted wife, mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, and aunt. She was singularly focused on raising her four children and making a home and life for them where they could thrive. She was the matriarch of a family that adored her. She made everyone feel like family in her home, often found at the kitchen table with her children and their friends providing advice and encouragement. Marguerite loved to read history, literature, and poetry. Later in life, she enjoyed writing her own poetry. She was proud of her Irish roots and enjoyed her visits with her cousins, all of whom hailed from County Cavan, Ireland. Marguerite is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Sheila and Brian Mahoney of Buffalo, New York, and their four children (Megan, Brian, Caroline, and Betsy); her son and daughter-in-law, John and Deborah Dillon of New Hartford, New York, and their two children (Cecelia and Jack); her son and daughter-in-law, Joe and Rachel Dillon of Bronxville, New York, and their three children (Charlie, Hugh, and William); and her daughter and son-in-law, Gwen and Douglas Nappi of Alexandria, Virginia, and their daughter (Norah). She is also survived by her two nieces and a nephew, Maureen Postiglion (spouse Bob), Susan Heller, and Michael Heller (spouse Kathy), all of whom she cherished. Marguerite’s family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to her many friends who enriched her life for so many years and offered support during this difficult time. Friends and family may pay their respects at Historic Old St. John’s Church in Utica at 240 Bleecker Street, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 13 at 1:00 P.M. The family will receive guests following the Mass. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Clinton. In lieu of flowers, remembrances in Marguerite's name may be made to Historic Old St. John's Church Memorial Fund. Envelopes will be available at the Mass. To view live stream video log onto: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4ISt-TgFew Visit tribute video at: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/5YJ8WQBPMBPGXZWW

Marguerite Heller Dillon

September 17, 1931 - July 8, 2022