Obituary of Martha Salzer

BERNE – Martha Salzer, age 95, passed away on Monday, February 17, 2014 in the Community Hospice Inn at St. Peter’s Hospital, after a brief illness. Born in Berne on September 22, 1918, she was daughter of the late Edwin and May Dietz Sisson, and wife of the late Joseph Salzer, Sr. Martha was a lifelong resident of Berne, and graduated with the first class from Berne High School. She was a member of Helderberg Lutheran Church in Berne. Martha’s first commitment was to her family. Whether it was caring for her baby brother after their mother died, raising her own children or helping with grandchildren, she did it with love. She was a self-taught craftswoman and seamstress; her many talents included quilting, hooking rugs, crocheting afghans, and making cherished Christmas ornaments. Martha nourished her family and friends with her pies, soups, and homemade meals. She was the grand matriarch of the family, and nurtured all in body and soul. Martha is survived by three children, Joseph Salzer Jr. (Judy Lewis), Thomas K. (Marilyn J.) Salzer, and Lucinda S. (John J.) McCarthy; 18 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-granddaughter, several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, Martha was predeceased by her daughter, Martha Keller; and all of her siblings, Claude, Florence, Harriet, DeWitt, Milton, Leland, Charles and Clyde. Calling hours will be Thursday, February 20 from 4 to 9 p.m. at A.J. Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 State Route 81, Greenville. The funeral will be Friday, February 21 at 11 a.m. at Helderberg Lutheran Church, 1728 Helderberg Trail, Berne. Spring burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Memorial donations in honor of Martha Salzer to the Community Hospice Inn at St. Peter’s Hospital, 315 South Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208 will be appreciated. Light a candle at ajcunninghamfh.com.