Martha Ann Leaffer

Obituary of Martha Ann Leaffer

Martha Ann Leaffer (née Silverman), 80, of Aurora, Colorado, passed away peacefully at home on February 9, 2026. Born February 11, 1945, in Worcester, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of Harry and Sadie Silverman (née Wolk).

A graduate of Worcester Classical High School, Martha studied at Syracuse University and the Chandler School for Women. After marrying Dana Leaffer, she moved with him and their daughter, Laura, to Colorado when Laura was five to be closer to family in Denver. Martha built a fulfilling career as a HUD housing specialist, serving several apartment communities, and worked until she fell ill, a testament to her work ethic. She took real pride in her work and found meaning in doing things well, especially when it helped others.

Martha lost her mother when she was 17. With her Aunt Edie's steady support, she met that loss with the resilience and warmth that came to define her, and she never lost her sense of adventure and fun.

Above all, Martha adored her daughter, Laura, the center of her world and her proudest accomplishment. She took immense pride in the kind, compassionate person Laura became.

Martha had a rare gift for friendship and kept people close across decades and distance. Her wonderful sense of humor and emotional intelligence made people feel instantly at ease. She died two days before her 81st birthday and had been looking forward to celebrating with her lifelong best friend, Margie Kelly. Those who loved her will still gather on her birthday in her honor. During her final illness, friends showed up in extraordinary ways, a reflection of how deeply she loved and was loved in return.

Martha embraced Colorado life fully. She hiked local trails nearly every week, loved jazz, volunteered at Swallow Hill, and was active at Temple Emanuel, including Sisterhood. She also loved to shop and had a gift for style, always impeccably dressed with her signature red hair and lipstick.

Martha is survived by her daughter, Laura; Laura's father, Dana Leaffer; her brother, John Silverman, and his wife, Mary (née Rattschaeffer); her cousin, Richie Payne; and many beloved friends and members of her extended family. She was preceded in death by her partner, Mike Zegarac; her parents, Harry and Sadie (née Wolk) Silverman; and her aunt, Edie Payne.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Temple Emanuel, 51 Grape St., Denver, CO 80220. A reception will immediately follow the service. A livestream will be available on the Feldman Mortuary YouTube channel for those unable to attend in person.

Donations in Martha's memory may be made to Temple Emanuel's preschool, the Rabbi Steven Foster Early Learning Center. Please note "Martha Leaffer" in the memo or in the donation drop-down menu.