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Martha Vasileff Obituary

VASILEFF, MARTHA S. Martha Schober Vasileff was a pillar of countless communities during her lifetime. Her unwavering joy for life and generosity of spirit made her beloved by all those who met her. Born in Budapest to Hungary’s Minister of Trade, she was schooled in Switzerland before leaving Europe for Canada at the outbreak of World War II. During the war, she worked as a “Farmerette” to pick and ship produce to soldiers fighting overseas. She attended the University of Toronto where she majored in archaeology and created the Native Canadian exhibit at the Royal Museum of Ontario. She met her husband Henry on St. Valentine’s Day at a Sadie Hawkins Dance. They moved to the US and had two children, daughter Lili and son Michael. Throughout her life, Martha worked tirelessly in the fields of education, charitable giving, and the arts. She was one of the first women to ever earn a 6-year Teachers Certificate from Southern Connecticut State University and went on to become the President of its Phi Delta Kappa chapter for many years, eventually receiving the Key Award for Excellence. As the librarian at Amity High School, she introduced students to the latest developments in A/V technology, taught photography courses that led to several student awards, and was instrumental in establishing the library at Beecher Road Elementary. A longtime resident of Woodbridge, she famously planted corn in her dirt road to convince the town it needed paving. She was a passionate member of the First Church of Christ where she played in the bell choir and composed poems for Sunday services that went on to receive publication. She was a stage manager in the community theater and co-wrote and produced a play about the history of Woodbridge. She volunteered for the Special Olympics in New Haven, heading up its Thousand Voices Choir. She lived her life with a hunger for knowledge that encompassed both the discoveries of modern science and the mysteries of the everyday. In true form, one of her personal projects was to transcribe all of the English words that used all five vowels – not by searching online, but rather by discovering them while she read. She ended up with a tower of alphabetized index cards. She always asked questions, she grew everyday. She spoke Hungarian, German, French, and English. She traveled throughout the world, yet no matter where she went someone would ask, “Aren’t you Mrs. V?” She introduced the arts to her grandchildren Nathaniel (a novelist), Alexandra (a painter), and Natalie (a musician). She loved people and formed friendships that spanned decades. She was tenacious, creative, and joyous. She’s moved on to the next adventure to discover what’s what. In lieu of flowers, Martha’s family has requested donations be made to Allie’s Dream, an arts and creative program for special needs adults named for her granddaughter. Donations may be sent to 26 Maple Vale Drive, Woodbridge, CT 06525 or made online at AlliesDream.org. The memorial service will be held on Monday, November 18 at 11:00 am at The First Church of Christ, 5 Meetinghouse Lane, Woodbridge. Reception to follow.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The New Haven Register from Nov. 16 to Nov. 17, 2013.

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November 11, 2014

One year ago my heart broke and I could not breathe after losing Mom. She now has guided me through this year with her loving presence, sense of humor, and embracing presence in all that I do. I miss you Mom and so does Allie and Nate. We LOVE you! Lili

November 30, 2013

To all dear friends who have sent loving messages. Our family is deeply appreciative of your shared memories and caring wishes. Our grief is enormous but her love carries us each day and with every breath I take. Love, Lili

Louise Zito

November 29, 2013

Dear Lili: I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad, sad time.

Louise

Lucinda Pinchot

November 18, 2013

Dear Lillie,

I was so saddened to hear of the loss of your mother and my friend Martha. She will always hold a special place in my heart. I still think of her wonderful stories and engaging tales of her worldwide adventures. And she always took time to ask about me and my family which was very sweet. She delt with all of her challenges with such grace and humor. I'm sure she continues to entertain and befriend others in the realm she is in now. Peace to your family,

Lucinda

Barb Anton

November 18, 2013

Lillie and Allie my heart is breaking for your loss. Please know I am thinking of you both. Martha was quite a lady!

Michael Torre

November 18, 2013

Dear Lilly and Ally. So sorry about the loss of your mom, a true lady. Love when all of you would come to the Shubert and the smile your mom had radiated the lobby. Loved our conversations. I'm sorry to say I can't attend her service today, I mentioned when we spoke I had a client but forget there was 2 on Monday. I assist 2 elderly people. You mom, you and Ally are in my thoughts and prayers.

November 18, 2013

Dear Lilly, I'm so sorry for the loss of your mom, a beautiful lady. I loved when all of you came to the Shubert and the conversations we had was wonderful. I'm sorry to say I can't attend the services today because I didn't realize I have 2 clients which I care for.I've been doing this for the past 11 years after I retired from the City as an Accountant.My prayers to you and Ally.

Linda Wasserman

November 17, 2013

So very sorry for your loss. I know your Mom and Grandmom will be missed but has left a lasting legacy of love and commitment

Bob Trotta

November 16, 2013

Lili and Michael-

I am very sorry for your loss. I remember your mom well from Melillo Middle School in East Haven. I always remember her talking about the both of you. Please know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Kathryn Izzo

November 16, 2013

Martha your spirit will always glow bright, in your beautiful daughter, Lili and granddaughter,Allie.

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