Martha Harding

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...

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.

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.

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!

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...

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...

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...

rest in peace beautiful soul!

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!"