Martha Widner

Words to describe Martha include active, aware, adaptable, accepting, and always there. There wasn’t a sport she wouldn’t try or a board game she didn’t embrace.

Born in Flushing, NY, Martha earned a BA in economics from Trinity College (Washington DC) and then moved to NYC where she met her devoted husband, Dean. Married for 52 years, Martha was a homemaker, perfecting the art of pie baking using fruits from her garden. Outside of home, Martha volunteered as a Girl Scout leader and troop organizer for 13 years because she felt strongly about empowering girls with lifelong skills. Her favorite response to any new idea was, “Why not?”

At the age of 46, Martha received a MA from Adelphi University, launching a new career in education. She taught for 22 years, mostly at St. Boniface School in Elmont, where Martha rose to Assistant Principal. Two nights a week, Martha also taught English as a second language to adults at Sewanhaka High School. Martha said that much of her own learning came from her students and friends.

Upon retirement, Martha pursued many interests including golf, bridge, and reading mystery and biography books. She volunteered at the Community Club of Garden City, Old Westbury Gardens (as a docent), and the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Martha felt learning didn’t stop with age. She attended the Molloy Institute for Lifelong Learning (MILL) and right up until the end, Martha carried crossword puzzle books in her walker so that a free moment would never go wasted.

Martha is survived by her daughter, son-in-law, two grandchildren and niece. She was predeceased by her husband and siblings. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at The Church of Saint Ignatius Loyola on Thursday, March 10th at 10:00 am. All are welcome