Martha D. Flanders

Martha (Marty) D. Flanders, 94, died peacefully in her sleep, on January 19th 2016 at her home in Chester, VT. She never fully recovered from a massive stroke suffered while working out at the gym, just weeks after being honored at a grand 90th birthday celebration, hosted by the Mark Twain House. Marty was born March 24th, 1921, to Clinton D. Deming MD and Sadie Robinson Deming of West Hartford, CT. She graduated from Oxford School and attended Skidmore College, until at nineteen, she headed off to NYC to become a model. Marty was married three times and was pre-deceased by husbands James G. Taylor, John S. Mason and Thomas J. Flanders. She is survived by three children: Thomas C. Taylor, James D. Taylor and Sarah T. Taylor, three step-children: Sally M. Ellison, Thomas S. Mason and Jane M. Davis, plus 18 grand and 48 great grandchildren. Marty, an avid athlete, was hard to miss on the paddle tennis court, in her hot pink and chartreuse 'happy pants.' In 2007, she was the recipient of the Spirit Cup Award. It is an annual tournament inaugurated in her honor at the Hartford Golf Club, which celebrates a player for her positive attitude, plus her team and community spirit. Marty was a deeply committed life-long volunteer. In 2005, she was honored with the Thomas Hooker Award by the Ancient Burial Grounds Association, along with her dear friend Kathy Marr, for their leadership and contribution to the quality of life in the Hartford community. Her activities included serving on the Board of the Mark Twain House and Museum, the Hartford Art School, the ABGA, the Child and Family Services, the Institute For The Living, as well as fundraiser for the Connecticut Historical Society Museum, and the Antiquarian & Landmarks Society. Marty was on the Wadsworth Atheneum Women's Committee as well as the Costume and Textiles Committee, and received the Woman of the Year Award in 2002. Marty was known for her creative flower arrangements at galas and playful fundraising antics, including closing a fashion show at the Town and County Club, by skipping down the runway in her old bathrobe, slippers and hair rollers. It epitomized her philosophy of life: exercise, have fun, do good and appreciate everyone. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any of the above organizations she so loved. A private family service is planned.