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Martha Swanson Ayers
1924 - 2021
Martha Swanson Ayers
1924 - 2021
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1924
DIED
2021
Martha Ayers Obituary
Martha Swanson Ayers was united with her Heavenly Father on December 28, 2020. She was 96. Her husband George Martin Ayers preceded her in death in 1998. She continued to live in their residence at Hershey’s Mill, West Chester.
Martha was born January 31, 1924 in Jamestown, NY to Swedish parents Gerda and Axel Swanson. She graduated from Jamestown High School in 1942 . She attended Wooster College in Ohio. George and Martha began their married life in Philadelphia in 1944.
Martha is survived by her 3 children Stephen Ayers, Susan Ayers, and Carrie Balma, 7 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren.
Martha was a loving mother, active volunteer and woman of deepening faith. She served as the President of The Junior Women’s Club of Bala Cynwyd from 1954-1956. She was also the President of The Hospital Service League at Lankenau Hospital from1958-1960.
In 1957 Martha encountered her Lord and Savior in a profoundly personal way shifting her energy and engagement to knowing Him. She satisfied her quest through reading and Bible studies. Her husband joined her on this journey in 1959. In the following decades, together with distinguished Bible scholars they hosted evening bible studies in their home for neighbors and friends.
As Martha’s knowledge and faith matured she taught community Bible studies in the suburban Philadelphia and Wilmington neighborhoods, gave her testimony nationally at Christian Women’s Clubs, and was a trusted friend, mentor, and servant to a wide community of faith. For more then 60 years Great Valley Presbyterian Church was her home.
Martha was loved because she loved so well. She was a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and beloved friend. She was a gracious entertainer and inclusive conversationalist; a “doer” quietly anticipating and caring for the needs of others. She was a listener who kept confidences and shared her wisdom freely. She has been the lively, encouraging, heart of our family. Her warmth, Swedish traditions, and model of a life well lived with Christ by her side will remain at the heart of this family and beyond. She finished well and will live in our hearts forever.
Relatives and friend are invited to Martha's Life Celebration on Saturday, September 18, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Great Valley Presbyterian Church, 2025 Swedesford Rd., Malvern, PA 19355. Interment will be private.
Donations in her memory can be made to Great Valley Presbyterian Church, 2025 Swedesford Rd., Malvern, PA 19355.
www.maugergivnish.com
Eileen Rackover
January 14, 2021
My memories of Martha are of joyful giving. Michael and I met Martha when we became her neighbor in 2009. From the very first she made us welcome and so began our special friendship. Fond memories bubble up: gatherings around her elegant dining table, great conversations, her puzzling - me watching, meeting her family and listening to her speak lovingly of family and friends, laughter over Collin's antics, her joy and awareness in each moment. Always a pleasure and a grace to be with Martha. I hope to carry her spirit forward in my interactions with friends and strangers; giving to them what she gave joyfully. Love you, Martha, and Thank You.
Joan Henderson
January 8, 2021
Sympathy Gift courtesy of Joan Henderson. Group of 10 Memorial Trees Planted In Loving Memory of Martha Swanson Ayers.
jeanette schmid
January 6, 2021
A wonderful lady has left the earth. Martha was a special person, kind, gracious and dignified. She set a wonderful example for all of us.
Carolyn Blish
January 2, 2021
Martha and her best friend, Jean Livingston, became my two closest friends when I gave my life to Christ. I was 48 years old. I had. never seen a Bible. Martha began giving me bibles and books all by famous Christian authors to help me grow in my new faith. We would meet at one of our homes for lunch several times a month and always I considered those lunch times, around the table sharing Jesus, the most haloed in my life.
Martha has out run me to heaven, but not by much as I will be beginning my 93rd year on earth in a few weeks.
I am so honored to have known Martha as a dear and close friend. Surely, one of God’s greatest gifts to us was each other.
Carolyn Blish
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Elle Lewis
January 2, 2021
Truly an "Earth Angel" is now a "Heavenly Angel". Martha was a dear friend and Christian Mentor to me for many years. She had a strong faith and lived it every day in matters large and small. I am most Blessed to have known this beautiful lady through the years!. My deepest sympathies and condolences to her family who were so precious to her. With love, Elle Lewis
Mary Ellen Millett
January 1, 2021
I offer my sincere condolences Sue, Nancy and family. It was a true pleasure to have met your delightful Mom. She clearly made the world a better place and her memory will be cherished by all whose lives she touched.
Michael Rackover
January 1, 2021
Martha was our wonderful next-door neighbor when we moved to Hershey's Mill. Not only as a friend but an extended family member. She taught about life and shared many stories and meals. She has helped me to accept the challenges of being a senior citizen. She lives on in my heart as a wonderful memory.
Glen Swanson
December 31, 2020
Crossing the Threshold: Memories of Martha
The Christmas season has special meaning for our family. Our older daughter Heidi was born on Christmas day. My Dad died on Christmas day.
Thornton Wilder describes such moments in his play "The Long Christmas Dinner" - how generations of members gather over the decades to cheer, to engage in small talk, to share life experience. A dinner companion arises - and quietly disappears. A new person, from the next generation, enters and occupies the vacant place. Taking his or her turn to engage - to disengage - to exit.
Wilder in his own special way - with microscope and telescope - captures this essence of life - this entering - and crossing of the final threshold.
And so it is that, with Cousin Martha’s passing, we pause to remember her - her warmth of spirit and sense of enjoyment that brightened so many days and evenings. Direct - honest - willing to express her opinion, she enriched our lives.
We look up - visualizing in our minds - feeling in our hearts - the vacancy at our table.
We raise our glasses - with sadness - with happiness - knowing that we have been fortunate to experience the joy of sharing the mystery of life with her.
On this special occasion may you set aside moments to reflect on friendship and the meaning of life - on those treasured memories - memories that shall comfort and sustain you through the years ahead.
Glen and Annagreta Swanson
Peterborough, New Hampshire
Cindy Jackson
December 31, 2020
I was one of Martha's Caregivers for over 4 years. She soon became a dear friend. She always remembered family & friends Birthday's. She had a special Birthday book that she kept & made sure to get the dates on her monthly calendar. We would go to the store and pick out cards that would suit each person. She was always so thoughtful. She will be missed! I enjoyed getting to know her family & friends.
Kerstin Lang
December 31, 2020
Martha was a very special lady. - So enjoyed the time and the shared activities at Great Valley with her. - Always elegant and a joyous role model. Her Swedish bread was always delicious and a chat with Marcia was always pleasant. She will be missed, but the memories in our hearts stay.
Chip Teti
December 31, 2020
Steve, Susan , Carrie and all family memebers,
I met Martha and Bud Ayers in April, 1971. As a young man I was so thankful to be included in their home Bible Studies. Martha always put a smile in my heart. A wonderful loving person who I will remember always the way she lived and touched so many people. So grateful that I met her and stayed in touch all these years. We had so many inspiring conversations. She truly loved ALL of you.
Know that I will be praying for all of you during this difficult time.
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24 Monument Avenue, Malvern, PA 19355
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