Martha Cornell Skurla (Age 60)
Died peacefully with family by her side, on Thursday, April 15, 2021, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Martha was born October 25, 1960 in Berkley, CA, to Owen M. Cornell Jr. and Sally Osborne Cornell. The family moved to Potomac, MD, in 1967. She graduated from Winston Churchill High School and Randolph-Macon College with an English degree. After working for a time with her father in real estate, she fulfilled a lifelong dream by graduating with honors from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1998. She completed her residency at George Washington University before joining Family Healthcare in Germantown, MD, in 2001, where she continued to practice for the next 20 years. One of her accolades included being perennially named one of Washingtonian Magazine's Top Doctors. Additionally, tributes from her patients and colleagues exemplify the caring and committed doctor she was. Martha's passion for medicine and her dedication to her patients was surpassed only by her love for her family. On October 6, 2001, she married Robert M. Skurla, Jr. They welcomed three children into their lives: daughter Sally Marie (September 2003 - May 2004), son Joseph Michael, and daughter Marisol Amy. Martha is survived by her two brothers Owen M. Cornell, III (Hans V. Signer) and Cuyler J. Cornell (Courtney Mitchell Cornell), her sister (and best friend) Amy Cornell Hammond, and numerous nieces and nephews who will miss their favorite confidant dearly. Martha was such a wonderful person, loved by many. Her deep faith, grace, dignity, and perseverance through life's challenges will continue to inspire others, especially her extended family. In her selfless and humble ways, she was a "rock" to family and friends. Frequent hiking, biking, and traveling with her family created innumerable cherished memories. Finally, Martha revered learning, and she treasured books, not to display on a shelf but to devour and then share with others. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, Rockville, MD. Due to COVID restrictions, if you wish to attend Dr. Skurla's Mass please go to www.pumphreyfuneralhome.com for information and to register to attend. Also due to COVID restrictions the interment will be private. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Believe in Tomorrow Children's Foundation at www.believeintomorrow.org or to Adoptions Together at www.adoptionstogether.org

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Published by The Washington Post from Apr. 19 to Apr. 21, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for MARTHA SKURLA

38 Entries

G. Sandler

April 26, 2021

My condolences to Martha's family. A terrific colleague and an asset to her patients, Martha will be missed by many. May she rest in peace.

Sandra Winters

April 26, 2021

Dr. Skurla was a wonderful doctor and person. You will be greatly missed! My prayers and heart go out to the family.

Pam

April 24, 2021

Relief is what I experienced after my visit with Dr. Skurla. Finally a doctor who actually listened to my questions and concerns. Unease or awkward embarrassment as with previous doctors was not the case during my visit. Instead, I was met with not only compassion but also a calm thoughtful understanding. She truly cared. Although I've had less than a few visits with Dr. Skurla, I am stunned and overcome with deep sadness with her loss. My thoughts are with her dear family and those who knew her better than I.

Onley Q Moody-pearce

April 23, 2021

I would like to send my deepest prayers and condolences to her family. I worked with Dr. Skurla when she was a resident at GW in Rockville. She was a very sweet person. God bless the family.
Onley Moody Pearce

Marsha Johnson

April 23, 2021

My husband and I met Dr Skurla (she was Cornell then) shortly after she came to Family Health Care in Germantown. My husband had a sudden medical problem and she saw us as a walk-in. She was so thorough and saw him multiple times during that day, after scans and tests he had. We were impressed with her compassion and caring. She became my Primary Care Provider from then on. I saw her during the time she was pregnant and after losing her precious baby girl. I sad with her as she told me about her necklace for Sally and cried. I saw her when she was thrilled with adopting her children. She was so real and human and that resonated with her patients.

But most impressive was that I tell everyone that Dr. Skurla saved my life! I saw her for a physical in August or September of 2011 and she finished and left the room. I was waiting for an injection from the nurse and when she came in I remarked that I should have asked Dr. Skurla to do a breast exam because I have been bothered since my teens with fibrocystic and dense tissue in my breasts and always have the dr check to see if anything feels abnormal. She came back a little later and did the exam and was concerned with something that just didn't feel normal. The next day I went and had another mammogram even though I was not due for one yet. The technician smiled and said "no changes- you are fine." But since your dr felt something we will do an ultrasound. Still uncertain, she called in the radiologist who couldn't really see anything either. So then I arranged for an MRI as soon as possible- within days. It was inconclusive. Dr. Skurla recommended a breast surgeon, Pamela Wright and I got an appointment quickly. She was able to do a biopsy in her office and after the waiting time for the lab report she called and told me it was cancer- invasive ductal carcinoma. Since that time I have asked 5 or 6 radiologists (at different times) if they could see the tumor on those x-rays. Every one of then said NO! It was completely hidden. If Dr. Skurla had not felt the lump I would have gone who knows how long before anyone would have been able to see it on any imaging. I thanked her many times. I told her she seriously may well have saved my life. I thanked God many times for using her in my journey. I definitely feel God led me to ask her to come back into the exam room that day. It was not a coincidence.
When we moved away from Germantown to Richmond, VA a few years ago we went to see her at the Key West office so I could say good-bye. I wanted to give her a hug and thank her again.

I was so sad to hear about her death. I did not know she had been ill since I had moved away. I was shocked and just felt such a loss.
For her husband and children I say I am deeply sorry. I know it will give you comfort over the years to know how important she was to so many people. Right now you are grieving, and I hope you find comfort in God for her life and in all of your memories.

With Love,
Marsha and Bob Johnson

marcie schwartz

April 22, 2021

Martha was kind, compassionate and sharp physician to me for the last 20 years. I will forever appreciate the impact she had me and the medical community at large. She was truly one in a million doctor. She will be greatly missed. Sending prayers to the family during this difficult time.

Adriana Lacerda

April 22, 2021

I was so sorry to hear about the passing of Dr. Skurla. She was my primary physician for many years until we moved away from the MoCo area. She was always incredibly kind, patient, knowledgeable, very funny, and just a wonderful human being. She never rushed an appointment, always showed genuine interest in me, and spoke about her family with so much love. I have missed her since I moved and now I am just heartbroken. She won’t be forgotten. My deep condolences to the family, friends, and co-workers of Family Healthcare.

Jacquie Young

April 22, 2021

Dr Skurla saved my mom’s life, gave the best counsel to me about my child’s ADHD, and was the kindest Dr I’ve ever met. She blessed our entire family and we will miss her deeply. We will be holding her friends and family in our prayers in this time of deep grief.
Love and condolences,
Jacquie Young

Jean Spillett

April 22, 2021

Sorry I am unable to attend funeral Mass. I worked at FHC with Martha for a long time before retiring. I have many fond memories of working with her

Elissa B.

April 22, 2021

Dr. Skurla was my PCP. She was one of the only doctors I have ever had who took the time to actually talk to me and address my concerns. As someone with a chronic illness, I always appreciated that Dr. Skurla never once made our appointments feel rushed so she could hurry over to the next patient. She was warm, nice, and a good doctor. She will be missed. Condolences to her family and colleagues for their loss.

Lisa Selby

April 22, 2021

Condolences to the family, friends, colleagues and patients of Dr. Skurla. She was a caring physician and person. She will be missed.

Carolyn

April 21, 2021

Dr Skurla was a wonderful doctor. She obviously cared deeply about her patients. I’m going to miss her as my primary care doctor. Condolences to her family.

Brandy Cramer

April 21, 2021

Dr. Skurla was my doctor for over 10 years. I will miss her very much. She was an amazing person.

The Thompson Family

Planted Trees

Tembos

April 21, 2021

Dr Skurla holds a special place in our family. We were new to the country many years ago when we had a kid, and the mother fail seriously sick afterwards. Dr Skurla cared for us and her so much in the follow ups she wasalmost like a mother in the family. We are at a loss of words.

S. A.

April 21, 2021

Forever grateful to this kind, compassionate and thorough physician. Despite not being my PCP, I came to an appointment with her in a bad state. She took me seriously and knew to transfer me to the ER immediately where it was learned that another doctor prescribed a medicine with a serious, known, drug interaction to a medication documented all over my chart. Her quick assessment and action got me the help I needed before things got much worse. She followed up often after the incident despite not being my primary. I am very grateful to her. Love hearing how loved and treasured she was to so many.

Eternal Affection Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

Lynn and Jim Beach

Sent Flowers

Frank Titus MD

April 21, 2021

RIP Martha.

Nivasini Sampangiraj

Planted Trees

Marianne Capacchione

April 20, 2021

I’m devastated to hear that my dear Dr. Skurla died. She was my and my mom’s doctor for a long time and I considered her a friend. When my mom had a major fall and I had Covid at the same time, she called every day to check on us. She is one in a million. I’m so sorry that she left us too soon. I will always miss her and remember her kindness and compassion.

Patricia Miller

April 20, 2021

Martha was the most caring and thorough doctor I have ever known. I always knew she would take good care of me. God is taking care of Martha now. I will truly miss her.

Elissa Waldman

April 20, 2021

I am so sorry for your family's loss. Dr. Skurla was the kindest, most generous, most loving doctor I have ever had. She cared for my mother, father, husband, and me, and always with a hug. She saved my father's life with an urgency many reserve for family and friends.
May her memory be a blessing and comfort to you.

Marianne

April 20, 2021

My heart breaks for all of you. Dr Skurla was one of the best. Her kindness will always be remembered. She was a lovely person and caring doctor who had a beautiful soul. May she Rest In Peace.

Hope and Phillip Kott

April 19, 2021

I will be forever grateful to Martha. She saved our son's life. Literally. After many frantic visits to doctors and specialists, Martha, while still a resident listened to our concerns. She suggested a simple non-invasive test. The results of the test led (finally!) to a reason for our son's issues. Typically this diagnosis of a rare condition would lead to death in just a few years. Because of Martha's prompt action, my son was treated for his disease and thank G-d is still with us today. Happy and healthy.

Over the years she has treated our entire family with kindness and compassion. We shared secrets only adoptive mothers can know. She will be forever in our hearts. We pledge to remember her with acts of charity for the rest of our lives.

Jessie Nathans

April 19, 2021

Dr. Skurla was my Primary Care Doc for 10 years. She was always honest and asked good questions. Many people in the medical profession in the Rockville area knew and respected her. I was always amazed at how well she used our time together. It was never long enough but she managed the visit smoothly, moving through many topics so that I felt heard and up to date when I left. One time I asked her what the best medicine is for stress. She recommended frequent walks in the woods and lots of laughter. I will miss her as a warm and caring person and an informed, holistic thinker. May your family be comforted by how special she was.

Jessie Nathans

April 19, 2021

Luke Ren

Planted Trees

J Williams

April 19, 2021

Dr. Skurla was my PCP for many years. She was a gentle soul, very engaging and great at providing a sense of comfort no mater the issue. Her easy-going style brought comfort with a pleasant and knowledgeable demeanor.......instrumental in breaking down the barrier between patient and physician. She made the science of patient care simple and easy to understand. I will miss her honesty, kindness and patience. My utmost sympathies to her family and humanity in general on such a devastating loss. Peace to all her loved ones.

Andrea & Ali Samari

April 19, 2021

Dr. Skurla has been my primary care physician for 20 years. My husband has been seeing her for more than 10 and we are terribly sorry for the loss of such a kind, compassionate, funny, endearing and cherished woman. She had such a wonderful way about her, she listened without judgment and treated us with compassion and considerable care, as she would a friend or family member. She always expressed interest in the goings on in our world, aside from whatever may have brought us face-to-face, and my husband and I always looked forward to our visits with her, even when under the weather. Her loss is felt deeply by us, and surely by all who knew her. She will be very greatly missed, we send our heartfelt condolences to her loved ones. May her memory be a blessing.

Heather Smith

April 19, 2021

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Dr. Skurla has been my Doctor for a long time. She has guided me and helped me through so many of life's ups and downs. We both shared a common bond as adoptive mothers of children from Guatemala. I'm devastated by her loss and will be praying for her husband and her children. Know that she loved you with all her heart.

Doris Thomas

April 19, 2021

My name is Doris Thomas RN. I was one of her patients. Dr, Skurla was the most welcoming, congenial, pleasant and communicative health care providers I have every had. May she rest in peace after a job well done.

Nandi Jones

April 19, 2021

Dr. Skurla was a wonderful physician. I was a patient for many years, she always listened to my concerns, and gave great advice. She will be missed.

May God bless you all in your time of sadness.

Anita Pustelnik

April 18, 2021

I will miss Dr. Skurla, even though we were only acquainted a short time .

Louisa Ogwuni

April 18, 2021

Dr Skurla has been my doctor for over 10 years and since her medical leave I have greatly felt her absence in the care I receive. She was very humble, kind and a great listener. I´m crushed and will greatly miss her. MHSRIP

Patricia A Raymond

April 18, 2021

Dr. Skurla was my PCP for many years until I recently relocated to Florida. She took time out of her schedule to talk me down when I was told I had breast cancer. She then made arrangements for me to see the top breast surgeon and top oncologist. My sincere condolences to her family and colleagues.

Angela and Robert Pike

April 18, 2021

RIP Dr. Martha Skurla. You served your patients at the Family Health Care practice so wonderfully for many years. Your care and compassion will be missed.

Margaret Hansen

April 18, 2021

She was my dr for over 25 years I am so sorry to hear about her passing. She was a wonderful Dr.

Melanie Dimopoulos

April 18, 2021

We are so sad to hear of Dr. Skurla passing. Dr. Skurla was our doctor for my disabled son(and all our family) but when she first met him she said it would be her honor to be his doctor.She gave everything she could for us -supporting us and caring for our son. She was honest, real and compassionate. She thought outside the box ...Dr Skurla was one of kind and we are grateful for her care over the years. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.

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