Mary Dee Martoche

Mary Dee Martoche has extensive courtroom experience. As an attorney in private practice, she tried numerous cases throughout western New York. While in Washington, she was a trial attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice after working as an attorney for the Department of the Interior. Prior to her appointment in Surrogate's Court, she was an attorney for the Erie County Family Court, dealing with children and families in crisis. Since becoming court attorney-referee for Erie County Surrogate's Court, her work has centered on working with and helping families to resolve disputes regarding estates, trusts, and guardianships. he is former chair of the Erie County Child Protection Board, a founder and former chair of the board of directors of St. Mary of Sorrows Montessori School, a founder and former president of the Women's TAP fund, and a founder of the Women's Group, a networking organization of professional women in Erie County. In addition she has been a member of several committees and continues to be active in the Bar Association of Erie County.. She earned a degree in English at the University of North Dakota. In 1967 she was married to Salvatore R. Martoche, now associate justice of the New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Fourth Department. She taught English in the Tonawanda and East Aurora public school districts before attending University of Buffalo Law School, where she earned her degree. She was admitted to the Bar in 1977. Their children, now adults, are Amy, an attorney, Claire, who works in the hospitality industry, and Christopher who is a graduate student at Canisius College.