Martha R. Fletcher

Martha (Marty) R. Fletcher, 75, of Mendon, passed away on Monday, April 4, 2022 at the UMass/Memorial Healthcare-University Hospital in Worcester. She was the wife of Robin L. Fletcher.

Born in Buffalo, NY, she was the daughter of the late Marvin and Esther (Penner) Rau. She earned her master’s degree at Buffalo State University and her PhD at Florida State University.

Marty was a Professor of Fashion Design and Consumer Textiles at Framingham State College for 24 years prior to her retirement. Students enjoyed her gentle manner and focus on their needs in the classroom and in advising.  She was former Vice-President of the Massachusetts Family and Consumer Sciences Association, American Sewing Guild, and active in Thimble Pleasures Quilt Guild which in March 2022 had their show “Thimble Pleasures -Visions of Hope” in Upton, MA.

She was also a member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Mendon and Uxbridge, the Joseph Emerson Alliance, the Friends of Mendon Elders, and the Friends of Milford Elders, all of which gave her a wonderful network of loved ones. 

Throughout her life, she traveled extensively with family and friends, creating a lifetime of memories she looked back on fondly. An avid reader, she loved to sit with a good book, a cat snoozed on her lap, and the sounds of birds fluttering outside. Her peaceful, caring nature was immediately noticed by anyone who met her, and she will be missed more than words can convey.

In addition to her husband of 50 years, she is survived by one son, Eric S. Fletcher of Sunnyside, NY, one brother, Russell Rau and his wife, Linda, of Eustace, TX, as well as her two cats, Socks and Mitsy. 

She was predeceased by her daughter, Emily Jean Fletcher.

A Celebration of Life will be planned for a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Star Island Corporation, 30 Middle Street. Portsmouth, NH 03801 or Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, PO Box 808, Newark, NJ 07101.