Martha Lauretta Dunderdale

1920 - 2016

1920 - 2016 MARTHA LAURETTA “RETTA” DUNDERDALE (nee Montgomery), age 96, affectionately known as “Retta” to her friends, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2016 surrounded by her family at the Broomall Presbyterian Village in Broomall, Pa. while under the comforting care of Crozer-Keystone Hospice. Born in Essington, she was a lifelong resident of the Essington section of Tinicum Township. She was the daughter of the late Al and Martha Montgomery. She was a graduate of Eddystone High School. She worked as an inspector at Westinghouse during World War II and then as a shipping clerk at Clifton Precision Products and later Powell Electronics. Retta was an original member of the former “Women’s Emergency Rescue Unit” created by the Essington Fire Company during the heating up of the Cold War in the 1950’s. The Unit was trained in firefighting and rescue techniques. During this time she drove a fire truck, operated pumps, handled hose, and climbed a 75 foot aerial ladder. In later years, she mastered the art of needle work including knitting, beading, crochet, and her favorite, counted cross stitch. A woman devoted to her family, her favorite “job” over the years was being a mom, grandmom, and great-grandmom. She was the oldest of five Montgomery children, now all deceased; Bertie, Jean, Florence, and Gil. Retta was the wife of the late Roy “Hubby” Dunderdale, to whom she was married for 62 years until his death in 2004. SURVIVORS: She is survived by her two sons, Roy (Kathy) and Gil (Suzanne); her four grandchildren, Gil (Alana), Kristin (Sean), Melissa (Rick), and Charlotte; and her six great-grandchildren, Patrick, Isabelle, Shane, Aiden, Ryan, and Emily. FUNERAL SERVICE: Will be held on Saturday, August 20th, at 10 A.M. at the Griffith Funeral Chapel, 520 Chester Pike, in Norwood, Pa. 19074. VISITATION: Will be held on Friday, August 19th, from 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. and on Saturday, August 20th, from 9 A.M. to 10 A.M. at the funeral home. BURIAL: Will be in Glenwood Memorial Gardens in Broomall, Pa. CONTRIBUTIONS: In lieu of flowers, contributions made in her memory to Crozer-Keystone Hospice, 200 W. Sproul Road, Springfield, Pa. 19064 would be appreciated. CONDOLENCES: May be sent to griffithfuneralchapel@verizon.net ARRANGEMENTS: Are by the Griffith Funeral Chapel in Norwood, Pa. www.griffithfuneralchapel.com