Martha M. Kelsey

Martha may have passed away on October 3, 2018, but will be with us always in our hearts and in our memories of the good times shared.

Her “pioneer spirit” was inherited from her parents. Her father (Earl Hewes Kelsey) was deaf, but took on many challenges from lumbering to oil booming, to graduating from Cornell University in 1905. After graduation he became the Secretary of the YMCA in NYC and served on many committees with the American and International YMCA. Her mother, Eva Sweet Kelsey graduated from Oberlin College and taught high school English. She was active with the TCU and the women’s League of Voters. She was the family communicator and matriarch. Martha’s brother, Dean (Ruth) delivered eggs to help pay for college at Oberlin (AB), Trinity (MA) and NYU (MBA). He went on to become Vice President for Finance and Administration at Trinity and Albright Colleges. Her sister Carolyn Kelsey Wolf (John) graduated from Oberlin College (AB) and Columbia University (MA). She was an Elementary school teacher and served well as “first lady” of the church where John was a minister. As one of her nephews pointed out “Aunt Marty” was there to help “her boys” when John was off to war whether it was: helping Carter with merit badges, Jack with his fishing skills or Earl with his naturalist instincts and she continued to do so for over 70 years. She was “their favorite Aunt”. Martha was very close to her brother and sister and their families and they were very supportive and loving of her.

Martha graduated from Oberlin College (AB), Ithaca College (BS) and earned a NYS Director’s Certification. She took graduate courses at Cornell, Cortland and Arizona State. Martha Taught at Northfield Academy, Berea College (where she also served as Dean of Students) and then Ithaca College for over 37 years. Supervising student teachers was her great joy. She taught classes for the American Red Cross and later served as Vice Chairman on the Board of Directors. She was inducted into the Ithaca College Sports Hall of Fame. She was a member of many professional and humanitarian organizations such as: AHPER, Women Official’s Association, Adirondack Mountain Club, Audubon Society, Ornithology lab, AARP, the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Society, Camp Fire Girls Board of Director’s and the First Presbyterian Church (where she sang in the choir) to name a few. After retirement, Martha was honored with the title Professor Emeritus.

Martha was a dedicated teacher. She gave much to her students and they gave much to her in return. She raised the bar high and helped them achieve it. Upon retirement an Endowed scholarship was established in her name to aid Seniors going into the teaching profession.

Martha’s Hobbies included: skiing, hiking, camping, fishing, reading, pet care and music (she had a minor in music in college and could tickle of keys and strum the strings).

Martha is survived by her three nephews; Carter (Kim), Jack (Vicki), Earl (Deborah); her brother-in-law, john wolf; her good friend, Nancy Hicks; as well as several Grand and Great Grand Nieces and Nephews, extended family members and many good friends. She also leaves Moxie, a small chocolate lab and a shelter pet that was Martha’s “Guardian Angel”. Moxie could sense when Martha was in need and would seek out help for her. She was a Martha’s constant companion who always felt best next to her.

Martha was a caring person. She saw the good in everyone and quickly saw their strengths and talents and shared her observations. Never a deed went by that she didn’t give a sincere “thank you”. In fact, she left a thank you note she tucked with her Will for those who made life such a good one for her. So, we would like to thank all of her family, extended family and friends for sharing many good times, as well as the residents and staff at Kendal for their friendship and loving care.

If you would like to honor Martha, please consider adding to her scholarship at Ithaca College, the SPCA or a charity of your choice.

Dear Lord, thank you for giving us Martha. We know she has a Special relationship with you. Please take good care of her as you did when she was with us.