Martha McKean Wright

1942 - 2023

BORN

1942

DIED

2023

About

Rice University

Martha Wright Obituary

Martha McKean Wright
05/16/1942 - 03/12/2023
Martha McKean Wright, 80, died unexpectedly on March 12, 2023. She was born in Houston,
and grew up in Baytown, the daughter of Marjorie H and Charles V. McKean. An excellent
student, she attended Rice University where she majored in Architecture. There, during her
first month, she met her future husband, Richard P. Wright, who persisted until she married
him in April 1965. Theirs was a marriage of equal partners and mutual love for nearly 58 years.
She was an amazing and many-talented woman, excelling as wife, mother, friend and untiring
volunteer. She rose to leadership in many organizations that were beneficiaries of her
particular blend of compassion and skill. Notable among them: Rice, SBISD's Art Museum
and Science Center, and Audubon's Edith Moore Nature Sanctuary. She particularly enjoyed
teaching young children about the natural world. More recently she was deeply engaged with
CarePartners of Texas by co-ordinating one of their Gathering Places, offering respite care for
families dealing with forms of early dementia. Working with Others was truly one of her
passions.
For over 40 years, she served St. Francis Episcopal Church Houston so well in so many
different volunteer positions, that she received its lifetime service award in January 2023.
Martha became a wonderful chef and took great pleasure in exploring new culinary roads with
family and friends, both in her home kitchen and dining out.
She and Dick shared a love of travel; and after his retirement, visited over 50 countries in the
last 20 years. Their strategy of making harder trips early (Tibet, Amazon, New Zealand glowworm
caves, Andes) and leaving cruises for later proved to be astute.
In addition to her husband, Martha is survived by their sons Charles (Heidi) and Duncan
(Angela) and cousins dear to her. They will never fail to miss her.
A memorial service will be held later this spring on a date to be determined at St. Francis
Episcopal Church, 345 Piney Point Road, Houston, with the Rev. Stuart A. Bates officiating. In
lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations to St. Francis, to Rice University scholarships,
CarePartnersTexas or to any organization of your choice supporting conservation in nature .

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Houston Chronicle on Mar. 19, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Martha Wright

9 Entries

Marlynne Pike

April 20, 2023

Martha was always a joy at family reunions!

Suzanne (Steiner) Sievert

April 16, 2023

I was sad to recently learn of Martha´s passing.
My heart goes out to Dick, Charlie, Duncan, and all the family.
While decades have passed, I remember Martha fondly. She was so thoughtful and so talented. I recall how she very kindly sewed the elastics & ribbons on my ballet shoes for me when I didn´t know how to sew! I have lovely memories of the beautiful flower corsages she made for me for high school dances. She was a wonderful cook, and I was fortunate to enjoy some delicious meals with the family.
I know that a sudden passing is particularly difficult and that she will be deeply missed.
Thinking of you.
-Suzanne (Steiner) Sievert

Liz and Lew Arend

April 12, 2023

Dick, Lew and I were so sorry to learn of Martha's death. We have so many fond memories of her and will always remember her hats! She gave so much of herself and made this world a better place for having been a vibrant lady. God's Peace.

Don Lane

April 4, 2023

Dear Dick,
I was very sorry and saddened to see Martha's obituary in the Chronicle recently. My wife Joanne died suddenly 6 years ago next month, so I can appreciate what you and your family are going through.
We haven't seen you and Martha for some time. We kept bumping into each other at Rice events, and I also recall that Charlie and our Chris were at sailing camp at HYC years ago.
My sincere condolences for your loss.

Linda Day

March 28, 2023

Hello Dick, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Martha. She was a lovely person. How blessed you were to have her in your life for so long. A sudden death is, I think, easy on the one who dies but so very hard on those who remain behind. I will keep you in my thoughts. God bless.

Marlene Etter

March 28, 2023

Dear Dick, Charlie, & Duncan,
I am sending heartfelt condolences to you all. Martha was a dear Wahl cousin and I am so grateful to have gotten to know her through the reunions. She was such a kind, sweet woman who will be so missed by so many.

Phyllis Thompson

March 23, 2023

Martha was an inspiration for me and I am sure for many others as we volunteered at Edith Moore Nature Sanctuary. She introduced our groups of visitors to the wonders of nature and encouraged a love of all the animals around us and a desire to respect their habitat. I am deeply saddened that such a wonderful person is gone and send my condolences to her family. Phyllis Thompson

Mary McIntire

March 21, 2023

Dear Dick,
You and your family are in my thoughts during this sad time. Martha was a fine human being, and has helped so many others over the years. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her.
Regards,
Mary McIntire

Mary Beth Gracy & Jason Martinez

March 19, 2023

Martha will be greatly missed and remembered fondly at St Francis Episcopal church, both for her wonderful personality and her tireless service. She truly was a remarkable woman, and one whom we were blessed to know. Our sympathies are with the Wright family and all who will miss her.

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