Wonderful, beautiful memories of an amazing cousin.

I had started chemotherapy in late 2009 in the middle of winter. I did not realize the implications of that until I walked out into the unheated parking garage after my first round of chemo and noticed my fingertips were starting to tingle intensely, even with gloves on.  One of the joys of oxaliplatin.  After describing this to my wife Mary Ellen and Martha a couple days later, Martha showed up with a wonderful gift of thick insulated leather mittens. The perfect gift for a winter chemo patient!  She had great insight and compassion and knew how to handle Vermont winters.

Martha and Mary Ellen also ran a chilly First Run 5K in Burlington in sloppy conditions with windchills in the -10 to -20 range. She was certainly one tough Vermonter.

We were so grateful to be with Matthews family and friends at the beautiful tribute and delicious meal on Saturday in Eighty Four. As we drove home to central Pennsylvania later that afternoon with Martha's rose on the dashboard, talking about the event, the people we met and stories we heard, how special to reconnect with Allen and Alissa and meet Chris, this rainbow filled our site. I played IZ's song for Ian on my phone. . ..Love forever. 

Martha was my first cousin, so I knew her from the time I understood what extended family was. We lived in different states so it was special family occasions that brought us together. At the time I looked up to her as my much older cousin, as I spent more time with her two youngest brothers . However, her first job brought her to Harrisburg and she became my roommate to save money on rent starting out. She was so patient and kind to me, and I know as an adult spending time rooming with a teenager had to be hard, but she never made me feel anything but valued. As we grew up and began sharing discussions both as wives and then mothers, our age difference disappeared. In her final years we even shared the joy of being grandmothers. Major(my husband’s nickname) and I finally had the opportunity to come visit in their Vermont home in 2018. We were able to see first hand the place that brought Martha so much happiness. It was a special visit. We have also shared times honoring her mother’s special birthdays and attending family funerals with family gatherings at her brother Bob’s home for further opportunity to spend precious time together. Martha radiated JOY, something I admired most in her. She certainly is missed, but she left a legacy of love ❤️.

I met Martha when Alissa and my son Victor were in preschool.  Having like minded moms they became fast friends as did their mothers.  Our families had many great times enjoying each others homes.  I loved when my kids would return from the Matthew’s with their hands full of a new ceramic treasure influenced by Martha’s artistic gifts.  Although very busy herself, she was always doing something to help out.   Like when she started a volunteer group of moms to help out the overworked grade school teachers. Her kids and mine all played soccer and were good friends.  We were sad when they left for their beautiful home in Vermont.  We have stayed friends and I still can’t believe that someone that  passionate about life is gone.  So glad that she was my friend. 

Susan Lapkowicz 

Martha and Margie - 2021

Our favorite spot above Sherman Hollow

I only met the happy, vivacious Martha once.  But in honor of my dear  friend, Tiny I donate to the memory of Martha because Tiny loved her too!!

I was so very sorry to hear about Martha's passing. She was such an incredible person. I think about her more and more as I get older and especially after I became a mother myself. Martha was truly intelligent, forward-thinking, and had the coolest taste in art. I loved visiting Alissa's house because they had the neatest knickknacks, most fun projects, and we got to eat on homemade pottery. Both artistic and generous, Martha gave us the time and resources to create in her pottery studio, make detailed bead art, and wreck the kitchen baking a rainbow layer cake! She once took us to The Bead Mine (I was in my craft glory) and she even organized an origami class for adults! I will never forget how she made Jello for Alissa to use as her doll's medicine or how she put glow-in-the-dark stars on Alissa's bedroom ceiling. She was a very special person, and she helped raise very special children. She left an inspiring legacy in them. 

Oh Martha, you are so easy to love. A light, so warm, always the beacon of hope and kindness. My life has been made richer by knowing you, working with your family, and witnessing all the positivity in which your clan engages, leads, inspires. Reflecting back on so many of those memories, I thought about the legions of times your bright smile made me not only feel better in the moment,  but also gave me such hope that everything would be just fine into the future too - all we need to do is love and believe. You always made it seem so simple! Indeed, you are one of the finest. Love you forever.

I worked with Martha many years ago at Howard Center and I have so many fond memories of that time. Her gentle and calming spirit, easy laughter and beautiful smile will not be forgotten. Sending my deepest condolences to her family. ❤️