Martha Eleanor Church

Martha Eleanor Church, age 91, died April 7, 2010 at an adult family home in Bellevue. Preceded in death by her husband, Arthur (Art) Benjamin Church thirteen years ago. Born July 1, 1918, Martha graduated from West Seattle High, worked for Societe Candies in Seattle for several years, then the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Anchorage during World War II., where she was also a volunteer nurse’s aide and involved in the USO. She was active in the Sails and Trails Club of the Seattle Parks Department in the 1930s, where she formed life-long friendships with women who loved the outdoors. Martha and Art moved to Bellevue in 1950. Martha supported family businesses and her children’s many interests, including Bluebird and Campfire Girls’ groups and Boy Scouts, and was active in the Ryther Child Center League and the Anchor Club. She enjoyed trips with family and friends on the Twanoh and El Primero into the San Juan Islands and Princess Louisa Inlet and frequent vacations in Maui. Martha was a loving, caring, adventurous, creative and independent woman who positively influenced many people she met over her long life. With her love for learning and sense of humor, she was a wonderful role model and will be deeply missed. Martha is survived by her son Michael and his wife Lynne Church of Bellevue Washington, daughter Catherine and her husband Leroy Williamson of Virginia Beach, Virginia, daughter Margaret Zylowski of Kennydale, Washington, five grandchildren Sarah Church, Christina Church, Alexandra Williamson, Thea Williamson, Walter Zylowski III and one great-grandchild Braden Danielson Church. There will be a celebration of her life with family and friends at Anthony’s Homeport of Shilshole, April 25, 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. Remembrances are suggested to Ryther Child Center League, c/o Peggy Avant, 6405 SE Cougar Mountain Way, Bellevue, WA.