Martha E. Couch, 98, formerly of Hayes Street in Norwich, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 01, 2009 in Canandaigua.Born February 6, 1911 in Norwich, Martha was the daughter of Patrick and Emma (Dayton) Rourke. She graduated from Norwich High School in 1929 and then from the Cortland Normal School. Martha taught kindergarten at St. Paul’s School for many years retiring in 1973.
Martha was a member of St. Paul’s Church and the St. Paul’s Mothers Club in Norwich. She was currently a member of St. Mary’s Church in Canandaigua. Martha was also a member of the Norwich Family YMCA where she was an avid swimmer for many years. She was a volunteer at Catholic Charities and The Pink Door in Norwich and at The Gleaner’s Kitchen in Canandaigua.
In 1936, Martha married Daniel W. Couch, who died on December 8, 2000. She is survived by her children and their spouses, Martha and John Brogan of Mahopac, NY, John Couch of Johnson City and Mary Ellen and Bob Gysel, of Canandaigua; her seven grandchildren and by twelve great grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her daughter, Patricia Jones; brothers George and John Rourke and sisters, Helen Welden, Amata Rourke, Emma Housel, Marion Rourke and Katherine McMillin.
A Mass of Resurrection for Martha will be held at noon Friday, August 7, 2009 at St. Paul’s Church. Friends are invited to call at the Marion Chapel of St. Paul’s on Friday from 10 am until the time of the service. Burial will follow in St. Paul’s Cemetery.
Contributions in memory of Martha may be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph Retirement Fund, attn: Sr. Patricia Sullivan, 150 French Rd., Rochester, NY 14718 or to the Patricia A. Jones Memorial Fund, 441 10th St. NE, Washington, DC 20002.
The arrangements are under the direction of the Wilson Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the funeral home website at: www.wilsonfh.com.
{ 9 } Comments
Mary Ellen, Marty and John,
My thoughts are with you all as you say goodbye to your Mom. I lived in your parents’ apartment on Hayes St. for 5 years and I so enjoyed chatting with them. Even after I bought my first home, I would meet them in Church and chat. Being able to keep in touch with your Mom with cards and letters since she left Norwich was a smile-maker for me. She was such a fun person and a role model on how to age gracefully.
I am a better person for having known Martha!!
Sincerely,
Pat O’Donnell
To Marty, John and family. So sorry for your lost. Mary talked about Martha until her very last days. She always said what a special lady Martha was. They are together again. And they are with their Dan and Vince.
May this be a peaceful time for you and your family.
Dear Mary Ellen and Bob,
You are in my thoughts and prayers as you say goodbye to your beloved Mom. May your heart be filled with wonderful memories and joy. The stars are brighter tonight.
Deeply….Peace….Joan
Mary Ellen & Bob: Please accept my deepest sympathy. It was a great pleasure to have known Martha. She was a special lady.
I’m so happy I did have the opportunity to speak with her recently after Mass.. May the memories bring you peace.
Caring thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
Sincerely,
Mary
Dear Mary Ellen: Dear Martha was such a wonderful inspiration to me. We shared fun stories and many laughs together and she ALWAYS asked about my Mom. I know she will be missed by all her family. You are in my thoughts and prayers as you walk this new walk. Love, Janet
To the Family of Martha Couch,
Martha used to babysit my Grammie, Elizabeth Merritt. I can recall Martha and Grammie having their Friday afternoon chats. Magazines would be exchanged as well as some town gossip I am sure. I know that Martha and Grammie will now be able to hold their Friday afternoon get togethers once again. She was a wonderful lady with a huge heart.
May God Hold You Close To His Heart, God Bless, Nikole Strano
MARY ELLEN,BOB AND FAMILY,
YOUR MOTHER IS NOW IN GOD’S HANDS AND RESTING PEACEFULLY. SHE WILL ALWAYS HAVE A PLACE IN YOUR HEART. YOUR FRIEND BEVERLY SCHROEDER
Earle and I moved to Norwich in 1983 and lived across the street from Danny and Martha. They were wonderful neighbors. We moved in 1994 but continued to keep in touch with Martha. She was an amazing lady and was forever young. She will be greatly missed by her family and those of us who knew and loved her.
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Brogan & Family,
Todd and I are so sorry for your loss. While we never met Martha, we have heard many stories about her from Mike and Trish. It is evident that she was an amazing woman ~ perhaps a saint ~ and will be greatly missed. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you all.
Love,
Joy & Todd
Post a Condolence