Martha Weems Sawyer

Martha Sawyer of Alexandria, Virginia passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, June 14, 2022 surrounded by her loving family. Born and raised in Shady Side, Maryland, Martha attended Southern High School where she actively participated in sports while excelling academically. In the 1960s and 1970s she lived with her family in Montevideo, Uruguay, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and the Chicago suburbs. In 1974, Martha moved to the Washington, DC suburbs and founded Martha Weems, Ltd., an award-winning specialty advertising agency she grew and eventually sold to a nationally known corporation. A founding member of the National Museum of Women in the Arts, Martha was a strong supporter of professional women; she worked hard yet found time to travel extensively, continue her education and spend time with family and friends. Upon retirement, Martha resided in Corpus Christi, TX where she and her husband were involved in the community, hosting numerous charity events in their home over the years. They were active members of the Church of the Good Shepherd and strong supporters of St. James Episcopal School. Martha returned to Old Town Alexandria in 2002, became a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and was an ardent supporter of the Kennedy Center, serving on its board for nearly a decade. Martha is survived by her husband George Sawyer, daughters Cathy Sussman and Sandra Sussman, grandchildren Calee Black (John), Brian Stevenson, Jordyn Stevenson and Dana Sussman-Martin, great-grandchildren Scarlett and Vincent Black, step-children Kathy Tucker (Walter), Sandra Summers (Nick) and Philip Spangler (Pat), sister Nancy Carpenter (Richard) and numerous nieces and newphews. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 30, 2022, at 4:00pm at Church of the Ascension, 633 Sligo Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland. Contributions in honor of Martha can be made to the National Museum of Women in the Arts and/or the Kennedy Center.