Martha Kellow

1951 - 2024

Martha J. Kellow, age 73, died on December 24, 2024 in Wakefield, MA surrounded by the love of her daughter, Heatha and her family. She had been in poor health, but upon the death of her beloved husband, Bill, in July 2024 she had a dramatic decline.

Martha J. Worden was born March 28, 1951, in Brattleboro, VT to John Worden, a dentist, and Barbara (Garfield) Worden, a newspaper journalist. She attended Brattleboro schools and later Colby Sawyer College. Her happy childhood was filled with music and other activities, and many gatherings of extended family close by. Martha sang in choirs and other settings, including at a cousin's wedding. Martha loved to laugh and delighted in friend or family gatherings.

Martha and Bill were married in Stratton, VT on May 19, 1979 and lived in New Hampshire, Texas, Georgia, and New Jersey before settling in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. Martha's career was in the banking industry and she found positions as a loan officer in banks where Bill's career brought them.

Martha and Bill were world travelers. They enjoyed cruises and travel to many parts of the world and would partake in local sights, foods and wines. They also had a timeshare in New York City, and frequently enjoyed Broadway shows and Bill's beloved Yankees' baseball games, although Martha always remained a Red Sox fan. Close to home, they attended and supported nearby theatre and opera. They were committed to their friends and regularly met for dinners at favorite restaurants.

In her early 50's, Martha was contacted by the daughter she had given up for adoption at birth and, with the love and support of Bill, welcomed Heatha Schena, her husband Tony and their three children, Mackenzie, Sam, & Kasey, into their lives and found joy and family that had been missing all those years. When Martha's brother Ralph and her cousins were told about Heatha, the Schena family was warmly welcomed and included in family events. Upon Bill's death earlier this year, Heatha and Tony arranged for Martha to move close to them, and Heatha was a devoted caregiver until Martha's death.

Martha is survived by her daughter Heatha Schena and family of Lynnfield, MA, her brother Ralph Worden and wife Carolyn of Northfield, MA, niece Leigh Turner, Midlothian, VA, and many cousins. Family and friends will gather in the spring for a service to honor and celebrate Martha's life. The Kidder Funeral Home of Northfield, MA has charge of arrangements.