Waterbury, Vermont
1918 - 2007
Martha Felicitas (Stern) Guthridge – 89, passed away at Berlin Health and Rehabilitation Center on Saturday, December 15, 2007. Born in Rheydt, Germany on June 6th, 1918, she and her family immigrated to the United States via Holland in 1938, settling in Montclair, NJ. Martha became a citizen in 1944.
As one of the first women ski instructors in this country she started her own ski school at Pocono Manor Inn, Pa. It was there she met her future husband, Richard and they were married in Charlotte, VT in 1946.
With their love for skiing and VT they moved here permanently in 1948 and lived in Waterbury. Too many friends and family visiting pushed Martha to find a larger house. This was the start of her owning and operating the Ski Hostel Lodge in Waterbury Center. The lodge ran very successfully under her guidance and hard work from 1956-1983. It was a great passion for Martha. Guests became friends and extended family. After 27 years at age 65 she retired to Stowe so she could begin again years of skiing, traveling extensively and enjoying her family and friends.
Martha’s independent spirit and her love of life will be a loss for everyone that knew and loved her.
She is predeceased by her husband Richard John Guthridge, 1962 and her son Dicky, 1960 and her brother John Kurt Stearns. Martha is survived by her daughters, Norma Stancliffe of Morrisville; granddaughters Heather Beres of CT and Michelle Caldwell of Morrisville; her daughter Karin Hawkes and husband Martin of Monkton; her grandson Ian Hawkes of NJ and her granddaughter Jessica Hawkes of NYC; Her daughter Lisa Russell and husband Theodore Tremper and her granddaughter Allyson Russell of Waitsfield. She is also the proud great-grandmother of 5: James, Elliot, Lucas, Gabriele and Max.
Committal services will be held this spring in Waterbury Center Cemetery.
Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers would be appreciated to the Alzheimer’s Association, Vermont Chapter, 172 North Main Street, Barre VT 05641-4124. To send on-line condolences, please visit www.perkinsparker.com. Assisting the family is the Perkins-Parker Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Waterbury.
This is my great grandma I don't know much about her but i'm starting to get big on skiing and its fun to read about my family's history and impact on other skiiers
Max Beres
April 03, 2021 | Grandchild
Martha was a wonderful person!! My husband Dick and many friends stayed with her for many years during the skiing season, we came from Ct. We were thinking about the wonderful times we all had staying with Martha in the winter !!! I'm so pleased that I found this article-we were watching a movie about winter in Vt. and skiing!!
Janet & Richard Bowers
November 01, 2020 | Present-E.Harwich,Cape Cod, MT | Friend
Norma and family; very sorry for the loss of your Mother. Norma I went to school with you in Waterbury. My maiden name was Corey. Please except our condolences. would like to hear from you.
Linda and Sonny Hall
December 31, 2007 | Waterbury, VT
Lisa, Karin and Norma,
I remember all the great times at the lodge, particular after skiing and her wonderful biscuits in the kitchen. My thoughts are with all you.
Peggy
Peggy Lamere Struhsacker
December 31, 2007 | Morrisville, VT
Norma & Family,
My condolences for the loss of yuor mother.
Denny
Dennis Roberts
December 29, 2007 | Anderson, SC
Norma, Karin, and Lisa. I just learned today of your Mom's passing. My heart goes out to all of you and your family.
Sharon (Brown) Hanley
December 25, 2007 | St Cloud, FL
Dear Lisa,
I am very sorry to hear of your mom's passing. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Kathy Dean
December 20, 2007 | Waterbury Center
we miss you mom, always will. say hello to everyone and try to behave-just kidding. you are always in our hearts everywhere we go. thanks for being the best mom/grandmother we could ever want. you taught us how to live life to it's fullest and be happy.
karin&martin,ian,&jessica hawkes
December 20, 2007 | Monkton, VT
