Obituary of Martha A. Rasmussen

CAIRO – Martha Alida Rasmussen, lifelong resident of Cairo, passed away on July 27, 2016 at the age of 89. Born September 28, 1926, Martha was the youngest of three children born to Henry and Irene (Sanford) Rasmussen. The family resided in their home across from the fountain on Main Street for over seventy years. Martha graduated from Cairo Central School in 1944, remembering Josephine and Marie Maggio, Janet Bonesteel and Shirley Mauer among her friends. After working briefly as a telephone operator and then a clerk at the Cairo post office, Martha went on to a 30 year career at Grumman's in Athens, working primarily in personnel. Following retirement, Martha served as an RSVP volunteer at Greene County Medical Arts Center for many years. Martha's two older brothers, Hayward and Cassius Rasmussen and their families lived nearby in Greenville, all sharing in each others lives. In her younger years, Martha collected many bowling trophies competing in several local leagues. She was active in local politics and enjoyed her beloved cats, daily papers and ice cream, as well as her family and friends. Martha was predeceased by her two brothers and their wives: Hayward and Lena (Chesbro) Rasmussen and Cassius and Harriet (Abrams) Rasmussen, and by her parents. Martha very much missed all those who had gone on before her. Remaining to remember her with love and affection are her nieces: Susan R. Schaefer (NC), Lynn R. Jakubik (MI), Dale R. Burgess (AZ), Holly R. Fleming (VA), Victoria R. Wells (NH); and nephews Brian Rasmussen (Greenville) and Barry Rasmussen (CT) and their families. We all share favorite childhood memories of annual Christmas Eve gatherings with Aunt Martha, Grammie and Grampa Rasmussen at the family home in Cairo, a treasured family tradition. All of the family gives special thanks to our cousin Brian Rasmussen for faithfully visiting our Aunt Martha during her final months of nursing home residence, providing her with regular in-person reminders of her family's love. During the many years Martha lived independently in her own home, she also received help and support from many other people to whom we are grateful: her caring neighbor Elaine D'Agostino, our maternal cousins Diane Briggs and Sandra Hladik, many volunteers for Meals on Wheels, Courtney from the Department on Aging, Ruth from Eddy Nursing Services, as well as Dr. Van Reussner and staff. Martha's family also extends their appreciation to the staff and caregivers at The Pines who made her final months as comfortable as possible, and to the Hospice staff at Community Memorial Hospital for her final days of compassionate care. Those who wish may make a memorial contribution in Martha's name to the Veterans of Foreign Wars or to an animal shelter or humane society. A private family internment will take place in Greenville Cemetery where Martha will rest with her Mother and Father, her brothers and their wives, and with generations of Sanford relatives. Condolences can be posted at ajcunninghamfh.com.