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Martha Harding Obituary
Martha, the daughter of the late James and Mary (O'Malley) Harding, was born in Worcester, Massachusetts on Oct. 7, in a year she believed need not be mentioned. Martha grew up in Massachusetts, received a bachelor's degree from Anna Maria College and earned a master's from Assumption College.
It was the great fortune of the children of South Windsor beginning in the early 1960s when Martha and her sister and best friend Carol alighted in the growing town to teach and delight. Martha devoted more than three decades to celebrating music at local elementary schools, while Carol taught high school English. Beautiful music was the score of Martha's long and generous life. She applied her vivid personality and exacting standards to the task of introducing children to the magic of understanding and creating music. She shaped children into artists for an hour a week and sometimes a lifetime. Martha, an accomplished pianist, had no interest in predictable renditions of "Kookaburra Sits in the Old Gum Tree." Instead, she transformed reticent students into singers whose voices would unite to thrill their families each year at school concerts. Those delighted parents were her protection from the pettifoggery of school principals who were sometimes put off by Martha's intensity in the service of art. Legions of lucky students still know one of her compositions, The Avery Street School song, as well as they do our national anthem. A faithful Roman Catholic, Martha raised her own beautiful voice to the Lord as a veteran member of the choir at St. Patrick-St. Anthony Church. She enjoyed spending summers at her home in Dennis, Massachusetts.
Predeceased by her sister, Carol, Martha leaves many friends, especially the Shea family of South Windsor.
Arrangements are private. In tribute to Martha's joyful life, tell a joke or sing a song - and hit those notes.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association Connecticut Chapter, 200 Executive Blvd Ste. 4B, Southington, CT 06489.
Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home in South Windsor has care of the arrangements. Please visit
www.carmonfuneralhome.com
for online condolences and guest book.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Martha Harding
DW
October 14, 2020
I am now 55 years old and had Miss Harding as a music teacher when I was 7 years old and attended K-6 at Avery Street. I was in the era of the the principal Mr. Smith also great Art teacher Mr. Airey. Mrs Brunner and the introduction of the school flag with a Tiger orange and black. I didn’t realize how special all the teachers were in that elementary school until I was much older. As youngsters and children we take things for granted. Miss Harding was a rare gem and anyone who had the privilege to have had her for a music teacher was very fortunate. Thank you Miss Harding!
Marilyn J Adamo
September 15, 2020
So sorry to hear if this lovely and gifted lady passing. I’m sure Carol has greeted her with open arms. Thank you to the wonderful Shea family for making Carol and Martha a part of your beautiful family and celebrating holidays and all with them. They were both such a big part of so many lives in South Windsor especially my own sons, John, Robert and Steve and they will never be forgotten.
Michael Cirigliano II
September 15, 2020
Martha's energy and deep love of music was infectious—so infectious that I made music my career for many years. She opened worlds that may not have been discovered otherwise, and for that I am so grateful for the hours spent in her classroom and in the auditorium at Eli Terry.
Thank you for your generosity, spirit, and brilliance, Martha. May you rest in peace.
Anne Burke
September 14, 2020
Sadly, I met my second cousins, Martha & Carol, after the death of my own mother back in 1998. What a joy it was to get to know them both! They added such an exuberance of life whenever we had a chance to visit. My sister & I had a chance to visit Martha back in February. I will treasure that visit!
Dan Beaudry
September 14, 2020
Mrs. Harding was one of my favorites. She taught chorus in my elementary school in South Windsor, and to this day, I carry two wonderful songs with me because of her: "Tree Song" and "Take these Wings." As a 45 year old father, I still sing both to my kids. Thank you Mrs. Harding! Your songs live on...
Sally Mazzarella
September 14, 2020
Martha was A wonderful woman, full of life, grace, goodness, a spirit of ENDLESS GIVING!! I met her at the choir at St. Patrick-St. Anthony Church, Hartford, CT. We instantly "clicked". She had time for everyone!! Nothing was too much for her. Her heart was made of gold. She made me many bracelets that I still have. They were unique and colorful. I wear them often. Teaching was a gift she truly had. She worked hard on our Annual Golf Tournament at St.P&A. I am so so happy she touched my life and heart. Now, she and Carol are inseparable forever. Wonderful sisters and teachers. She now knows peace in reward for endless efforts she gave to GIVE AND GIVE!! May you rest in peace Martha. I will never forget you and my bracelets are always a reminder of the gift of your selfless spirit. Give Carol a hug for me.
Sally Mazzarella
Renate Fisher Sterrett
September 14, 2020
As a fifth grader, new to Avery Street School and new to the USA, I had never had a music class in my life. When Ms. Harding strolled into our classroom and started to write musical notes on the chalk board, I just didn't know what to make of all the activity and the kids automatically saying something like "Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge." After about the third class, I spoke with Ms Harding and told her that I had no idea what any of this means. She looked at me with such horror, as if to say that she couldn't believe that my prior schools hadn't taught music! We agreed to secretly meet for 15 minutes before each of my scheduled in class music sessions. We did this for the rest of the school year!
What a wonderful opportunity she gave me to catch up. She had the patience of a Saint with me because I was simultaneously learning to speak English.
Thank you for all that you personally did for me Ms. Harding because your few minutes a week with me gave the courage to sing in middle school Bel Cantos and choirs in both middle school and high school. With out your lessons I would not have progressed into these programs and then onto the stage musicals.
My daughter had the voice of an angel and won many important solos and contests throughout her education. Without the knowledge from you, I would not have been of any assistance to her.
I frequently referenced you in her training and learning of difficult music. I would say "where is Ms Harding? We truly could use her assistance about now..." Instead of continuing to cry, my daughter would begin to laugh and realize that what I meant was that she was trying to sing the piece without really having studied it well enough first. Which would have been a Ms. Harding requirement!
My daughter went to Heaven a few years ago. With the strong interest she has in singing music, I'm quite sure that you will meet her soon. I think you will just adore her, she truly does "sing like an angel."
To your family and friends I am so sorry for your loss. I send my sympathies and condolences for the loss of this beautiful woman in every way.
My heart is sad today,
Renate B Fisher Sterrett
SWHS Class of 1977
John Bizis
September 13, 2020
rest in peace beautiful soul!
Rae Blazawski
September 13, 2020
I was so saddened the hear of Miss Harding's passing. I appreciated her when I was going through a hard time in fifth grade. My dad passed away suddenly the summer before and she took the time to take me outside to the brick wall at Avery Street School and rubbed my back and told me it was going to be ok before I had to perform in our concert. Her sister also left a lasting impression on me. She always told me to "sit up straight and be a good girl!"
Dianne Warner Grimaldi
September 12, 2020
Martha was an exceptional person who was beyond talented with music. More importantly, she made a huge impact giving her time and efforts to teaching and inspiring students in the South Windsor community. I was fortunate enough to have her as a music teacher and she was top notch. She taught with high, classy, standards that made everyone feel important in her presence. Now music wasn't my most talented hobbies, but her classes made a huge impact on me as a student. I loved learning from Ms. Harding. May you rest in peace Ms. Martha Harding. I will never forget the memorable times we had.
Ruth Bortolan
September 12, 2020
Our three daughters were lucky to have Martha as their teacher of music for six years! They carried that love of music to the next generation where our three grandsons were all involved in music. Our grandson Peter has earned a doctorate degree in organic chemistry from UBC at Vancouver . He still amazes audiences with his gifted playing of his cello!
South Windsor was lucky to haveMartha and Carol teaching our kids!
Jan Warren
September 12, 2020
She was gifted and beloved. She made such a huge impression on my elementary experience I can still sing the words today! She valued love and kindness and taught that with our songs and lyrics. Miss Harding made our world a better place. Avery Street School was very special because of some of these teachers who brought all of themselves to our school every day. She is missed.
Bryan Giansanti
September 12, 2020
Ms. Harding - you inspired me in more ways than you'll know. Thank you for making me feel special! Rest In Peace.
Ralph Graner
September 12, 2020
My heart goes out to Martha's friends and family. I will always remember her as a talented lady who shared her love of music with generations of students.
Susan Blazawski Mazur
September 12, 2020
So sorry to hear of Miss Harding's passing. She was the best music teacher at Avery Street School and then became my daughter's music teacher at Wapping many years later! Both she and her sister made a huge impact on many lives in South Windsor. I hope they are happily reunited!
September 12, 2020
Martha, sing and play your piano in Heaven. The Saints and Angels will love it. The Lord
Is waiting to hold you in the palm of his hand.
Time to rest. RIP lovely Martha.
I wish I had you as a music teacher. I too, love to sing.
God bless
Maddie Demers
September 11, 2020
I had the amazing pleasure of meeting Martha at the Hearth in Glastonbury. She never ceased to make me smile and laugh and it always made my day to hear her talk about music, play the piano, or talk about her family. I send my regards to her family. -Maddie
Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home
September 12, 2020
Our sincere sympathies for your loss.
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