Martha Baptista
1924 - 2018
Martha Baptista
1924 - 2018
Obituary
Guest Book
Martha Baptista Obituary
Martha grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and Buffalo, NY where she graduated from high school. While a student at Wheaton College she met Robert Charles "Bob" Baptista and they were married on April 17, 1946.
She began her college teaching/coaching career at Roberts Wesleyan College (NY) where she and Bob started Physical Education and Intercollegiate Athletic programs. He joined the Wheaton College Faculty in 1951, and soon she joined as the Women's Basketball Coach. In 1968, her team went undefeated, beating the University of Iowa. She went on to serve in the Administration as Assistant Dean of Students. In 1973, Wheaton College named her Alumnus of the Year and she was later named to the Wheaton College Sports Hall of Honor.
Martha actively supported Bob as he became President of Sterling College in Kansas and then as President of Taylor University in Indiana.
In 1979, she and Bob authored a book about their special needs son, Ric. For many years she supported special needs students through the West Suburban Recreation Association and College Church in Wheaton. She was a longtime member of College Church where she taught a Sunday School class for those with special needs. Recently, she has been passionate about a special needs program at Wheaton College.
Bob and Martha moved to Windsor Park Manor in Carol Stream in 2006. He preceded her in death in 2015.
She is survived by three children, Robert (Denise) Baptista Jr. of Elmhurst, Laurel (Jeffrey) Pond of West Chicago and Ric Baptista of West Chicago, four grandchildren: Maria (Wesley) English of Wheaton, Robert III of Lombard, Betsy (Devin) Freckelton of West Chicago, Sarah Pond of West Chicago, and three precious great-grandchildren, Micah and Ginevra English, and Cooper Pond.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Windsor Park, 124 Windsor Park Drive, in Carol Stream, IL. Private interment was held at Wheaton Cemetery.
Memorials may be sent to Wheaton College Disabled program.
Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.
Candy & Greg Davison
January 12, 2021
We miss Aunt Martha and Uncle Bob so much! All our beautiful family members (and Bea) we used to visit at Windsor are with the Lord! Kind of glad they are not having to live through this current craziness! Much love!
Mike Giuliano
January 11, 2021
I can't believe it's been almost three years. No matter how long I live, Martha and Dr. Baptista will always be two the people I've admired most in this world. Martha taught me how to live in a troubled world with integrity and passion. I will always miss you, Martha!
Candy Davison
January 12, 2020
Still miss you, Aunt Martha!! Not the same to visit Wheaton and not stop in at Windsor to catch up!!
Don and Debbie Baker
January 24, 2018
Our prayers and sympathies go out to the entire Baptista family, for which Martha (Mrs. B) was the great and wonderful matriarch, a designation God only bestows on very blessed and special people. We will always remember Mrs. B as our adopted mom and rejoice in the knowledge that she is in heaven with her wonderful husband Bob (Dr. B) who was a patriarch himself. God Bless both of their lives and memories forever. We will never forget them. (Ephesians 2:10)
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Mike and Barb Giuliano
January 24, 2018
They say that we are the "hands and feet of Jesus." I truly believe that I know a bit of what Jesus is like because I was privileged to spend so much time with Martha. I was not family (and my most sincere condolences to the family) but she was very much like a mother to me. I will miss her laugh, her joy when her Yankees won a game, here keen wit and her all encompassing passion. Martha, Barbara and I can't imagine a world without you, but we know you are rejoicing with Bob and with your Lord. Thank you for loving us- thank you for showing us a Christlike life every day.
Carol Erickson
January 21, 2018
We are so sorry for the loss of your mother. Barb and I have so many fond memories of growing up in your household. What a blessing though to know she is with her Lord and Savior.
Marilou Albright Cook
January 19, 2018
Rob, Laurel, and Ric, my condolences to you and your families. May you have God's comfort and peace. Martha and Bob were so important in my father's life especially. You were so kind at my mother's funeral and I wish I could be there for your mother's. With love from your second cousin.
Arlene, Ken & Debbie Shabino
January 19, 2018
We are so sad that Martha is no longer with us here on earth. I treasure the memories I have of her, Bob and Ric. Our last visit was almost a year ago on her last birthday. She was a very special lady and very dear to me.
Candy & Greg Davison
January 18, 2018
We are so sad for us that Aunt Martha is no longer here but thrilled for her and all the wonderful reunions she has been experiencing since yesterday morning! She and Uncle Bob will always remain in our hearts...love them so much! See you next week at the service.
The Hultgren Family and Staff
January 17, 2018
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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