Martha M. Wright

Martha Mabel Wright, age 101, peacefully passed away on June 25th, 2025, in Mechanicsburg, Pa. Martha and her twin sister Marion Mae were born on November 9th, 1923, the 6th and 7th children of Floyd Roth and Meda Hauser Roth. The Pennsylvania Dutch family were farmers and at a very young age Martha picked potatoes, did chores such as cleaning and food prep, and helped to mind her two younger siblings. The Roth children were only allowed to go to school through the 8th grade. Their purpose in life was to work on the farm and help the family.

The twins were musically gifted and at the age of three or four, they stood on the altar at church and harmonized hymns. One parishioner, a wealthy banker, gave the twins a dime after they sang. Music would continue to be an integral part of Martha’s life until she died.

As young adults, Martha and Marion obtained jobs in Easton, Pa working for a magnetic winding manufacturer where they made coils and equipment. The twins earned enough money to buy a car, take vacations at the shore and purchase dishes, blankets, etc. for a trousseau. Many of these items are still used and enjoyed today.

In 1952 the girls began attending the Friday Night Dances in Easton where they each met their future husbands-both named George. Martha married George Wright, a research chemist, in 1955. Susan was born in Delaware while George completed his doctorate. Wayne was born shortly afterwards and the young family moved to Norwich, NY in 1958 where George had taken a job with Norwich Pharmaceuticals. Stephanie was born at the Chenango Memorial Hospital which completed the family.

Martha was very busy as a homemaker. She cooked all the meals from scratch. Her homemade bread, cookies and pies were all favorites. She continued baking for the great grandchildren well into her 90’s. Martha sewed most of the clothing for the family, including suits for Wayne, Easter outfits and wedding gowns for the girls and her own wardrobe. In addition, she spent hours taking the children to piano lessons, whether in Norwich, Unadilla or Sherburne and attended countless band, choir and piano recitals.

With support and encouragement from George, Martha earned her GPA in the early 1960s. She was involved in the Monday Evening Music Club, Chenango Valley Voices, PTA, bridge games and so much more. Martha was a fierce advocate for Women’s Rights and volunteered for Planned Parenthood in the late 60’s and early 70’s. Martha also spent years working at polling sites during elections. Martha’s favorite job was working for Mila Fabrics; she often made the clothes that were displayed in the store.

Martha and George joined the Friends Meeting in Unadilla and eventually became Quakers. Their devotion to peace was a lifetime commitment.

Martha’s strongest accomplishment was her quilting, particularly her hand quilted pieces. Her hand stitches are practically perfect! Several of her pieces won Best of Show at the Chenango County Fair. We are blessed to have the many bed quilts, wall hangings, pillows, wedding announcements and other items that she created.

When Martha turned 100 years old, she was asked “What is your secret to longevity?” She said, “A healthy lifestyle, music, and NEVER having had a single cigarette!”

Martha was predeceased by her husband George and her eight siblings. She is survived by her children Susan Dreyer (Todd), Wayne Wright (Deborah Cox) and Stephanie Guy (Steven). Martha’s treasured grandchildren, Michele Corbin, Kristi, Brianne, Paul and Nicholas Brunick also survive. Martha was continually amazed and proud of the accomplishments of her great-grandchildren: Josh Keitz and Kyra Brunick-Davis, Adrian, Wesley and Phoebe Mollica, Bella DiIorio and Abby, Kenzie, Mike, Matty, Mason and Marshall Brunick. Martha spent many hours attending grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s school concerts, musicals, piano and dance recitals, and sporting events.

In lieu of flowers please contribute to Our Daily Bread, PO Box 813, Norwich, NY 13815 or to Hospice and Palliative Care of Chenango County, 21 Hayes St., Norwich, NY 13815.

The family thanks the Country Meadows Retirement Community in Mechanicsburg, PA. and the Lifesong Hospice and Palliative Care for their excellent care of Martha.

A celebration of life for Martha is planned for the summer of 2025.