Martha Langdon Towers

CASTLETON - Martha Langdon Towers, 102, a lifelong resident of Castleton, died Sunday morning, August 24, 2014, at the Rutland Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center following a short illness.

She was born June 1, 1912, at Fort Warren Farm, Castleton, the daughter of Henry N. and Martha (Russell) Langdon.

Mrs. Towers received her education in the Castleton Village School, West Rutland High School, Castleton Normal School and earned her B.S. from Castleton State College. She also acquired Special Education credits, equivalent to a Master's Degree, from Russell Sage Summer School in Albany, NY, University of Vermont and Trinity College in Burlington.

She was one of the founders of Lakeland School for Special Education in Fair Haven, and helped to establish the Area School For Special Education in Castleton, where for 13 years she served as Head Teacher and instructor of level III.

Her teaching career spanned 33 years, including Music Supervisor, Kindergarten, North Brenton and Meadowbrook Rural Schools, Demonstration Teacher for Castleton Teachers College; graded school and Special Education. Upon her retirement in 1976, she received a citation from the State Department of Education for Outstanding Services rendered to Vermont Children with Special Needs.

Mrs. Towers was a member of Castleton Federated Church, where she held many offices and conducted children's music. She was instrumental in acquiring funds for the restoration of the church steeple and other repairs.

She belonged to the Castleton Woman's Club, and Castleton Historical Society, where she served as trustee and the president (1985-87). She was part of a group that initiated the restoring of the old Burying Grounds. She was a member of the Rutland County Retired Teachers, Vermont Retired Teachers, the Vermont Education Association, National Education Association and the American Association of Retired Persons. She served her town as a Library Trustee for 16 years, during which time the Children's Wing and Librarian's office were added.

During Women's History month in 1991, she received a certificate honoring her as one of Vermont's Women Making a Difference in the community and as a role model.

She found enjoyment in so many different things, teaching, reading, writing, gardening, cryptograms and crossword puzzles, her 1830 house, her friends, family pictures and antiques, doll collection, plays and the love of music (all kinds); including singing and playing the piano.

Mrs. Towers lived by and practiced her motto, "Make me a blessing to someone today."

In 1940, she married Jerome E. Towers, who died in 1978. They had two children, Alice Carol Towers-Moore and her husband Jeffrey F. Moore of Binghamton, NY, and Christopher L. Towers of Castleton, both whom survive her. She is also survived by a granddaughter Casey D.P. Moore of Astoria, NY, a sister Rita L. Clough of Pawtucket, RI; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was predeceased by her husband, three brothers Charles W. Langdon, J. Harmon Langdon and Nelson R. Langdon, as well as a close friend, Walter F. Follmer.

Friends may call from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Durfee Funeral Home, 119 North Main Street, Fair Haven.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Castleton Federated Church. Burial will follow in Hillside Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Castleton Federated Church (Restoration Fund) PO Box 57, Castleton, VT 05735 or to Castleton Historical Society, P.O. Box 219, Castleton, VT 05735 .