Obituary of Martha Mann Shipe

Martha left her touch on all whom she befriended; contributed her many talents to each community where she lived; and was a devoted wife, mother, "GrandMartha" and "Great-grandMartha." Martha Mann Shipe died at her home at Quail Summit in Canandaigua, surrounded by her dear ones, on March 8, 2012. Martha Louise Mann was born in Clearfield, Pa. on Feb. 22, 1921, and was the second daughter of Harry and Odessa Sliger Mann. She attended Dickinson College in Williamsport, PA after graduating from Clearfield High School in 1938. She was married to Eugene A. Shipe, of Elmira and Ithaca, NY, on Nov. 14, 1942. After starting their family in Trumansburg, NY they made their home in Canandaigua, where they raised their three children. Martha and Gene were drawn to western Montana in 1973, where they developed new friendships; were active in a church community; and enjoyed square dancing. She had continued to return to western Montana for Christmas and summers since, watching her grandchildren there grow up. Upon her husband's sudden death, she relocated to the Eastern Shore of Maryland, where she and her sister Rebecca made their new lives together. Martha enjoyed her return to Canandaigua, where she became reacquainted with longtime friends and made new ones; contributed her grace and talents to Sonnenberg Gardens and as a founding member and as treasurer of Sonnenberg Garden Club, Gleaners Kitchen, First United Methodist Church Canandaigua Friday Folks, United Methodist Women and Craft Ministry, Honeoye Falls United Methodist Church Banner Ministry; trips with Centerfield Homemakers; and attending many concerts and other cultural events in Canandaigua and Rochester. Her employment included H & R Block for many years, first secretary for Sonnenberg Gardens in 1972, church secretary at St Luke's United Methodist Church in Denton, Md. and assistant at Denton Child Development Center, at the time when they were expanding their program. She retired at the age of 78. Martha was predeceased by her husband of 35 years, Gene, in March of 1977; and sister, Judith Mann McDermott. She is survived by her sister, Rebecca M. Welsh of Easton, Md.; brother-in-law, James J. McDermott of Clearfield, PA.; two daughters, Susan Shipe Olsen (Carl) of Milford, NH, and Mary Christine Holt (Mark) Whitefish, MT.; son, John Richard Shipe (Lynn) of Mendon; six grandchildren, Sara Emily Lynch (Derek) of East Rochester, Brian M. Shipe (Carina) of Rochester, Aaron Olsen of Missoula, MT, Kathryn S. Mentz (Robert) of Durham, NC, Stella L. Holt of Middlebury, VT. and Henry E. Holt of Whitefish, MT.; six great-grandchildren, Aidyn, Kylin, Mckinley and Rowan Shipe, Lawson Mentz and Cassidy Joy Lynch; and many nieces, nephews and dear friends. The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 11 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Merton H. Kays Funeral Home, Inc. 59 Monroe St., Honeoye Falls. There will be a celebration of Martha's life at Honeoye Falls United Methodist Church, 31 East St., Honeoye Falls, on Monday, March 12 at 10:30 a.m. At a later date, the family will gather at Pomfret Cemetery in Sunbury, Pa. for a burial ceremony. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to Honeoye Falls United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, Bell Choir or Banner Ministry.