Martha Laughlin Heidrich

Martha Laughlin Heidrich, age 98, of Winter Park, Florida, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on October 7, 2026.

Martha lived a life centered around the people she loved most—her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose greatest joy came from creating a loving home and watching her family grow.

Martha was born in Elwood, Indiana, in 1928, one of nine children born to Roy and Helen Laughlin. She attended Ladywood School before moving to Orlando.

After moving to Florida, Martha worked for many years in interior decorating, including at Cox/O’Neal Furniture. Her creativity and appreciation for beautiful things were reflected throughout her life, but it was her love for her family that truly defined her.

While attending St. James Catholic Church, Martha met the love of her life, Paul Heidrich. He proposed to her on their third date, and they were married six months later. Together, they built a beautiful life and were happily married for 64 years.

Martha and Paul raised 11 children—nine girls and two boys. Their family continued to grow, and Martha was blessed with 24 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren; at that point became affectionately known as Mamo by her grandchildren. Her family was her pride and joy, and she treasured every moment spent with them.

Martha was also a talented seamstress, skilled in both watercolor and stained-glass work. She found great joy in gardening and took particular pride in her rose garden. She loved spending time with her family, watching them grow, and seeing the lives they created.

Martha’s strong Catholic faith was the foundation of her life. Her faith gave her strength, comfort, and hope through every season of life, including the many challenges she faced. She remained steadfast in her belief and found peace in her relationship with God. Her faith was not only something she practiced, but something she lived—guiding the way she loved her family, served others, and faced life’s joys and difficulties. Her Catholic faith remained a constant source of strength throughout her 98 years.

Her home was a place of love, faith, creativity, and togetherness. The values she instilled in her children and grandchildren will continue to be carried forward through the generations.

Martha leaves behind a beautiful legacy—not only in the family she built, but in the countless memories, traditions, and lessons she shared with those she loved. Her unwavering faith, devotion to her family, and strength through life’s challenges will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Paul D Heidrich, and son Kenneth (Laura Lane) Heidrich. She is survived by Carole (the late Charles) Burnette, Paul D (Arlene) Heidrich Jr., Nancy Heidrich (Erik Wolter), Helen Jean (Stephen) Canfield, Mary Ellen (Steven) Dehlinger, Joan (John) Pinney, Barbara (David) Yergey, Catherine Heidrich, Susan (Eric) Shogren, Louise (Mark) Kellum, 24 grandchildren, and 28 great grandchildren.

Her greatest accomplishment was her family, her greatest strength was her faith, and her greatest joy was loving them.

She will be deeply missed and forever cherished by her family and all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

Matthew 25:23 “well done, good and faithful servant! … You have been faithful with a few things; I will appoint you over much, enter into your master’s joy”.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Martha Heidrich’s memory to Hospice Care through the AdventHealth Central Florida Foundation.