Obituary of Martha G. Sowers

Albany Martha Hoffa Sowers, 98, passed away suddenly June 15,2012 at the Teresian House..Martha was born January 2, 1914, the youngest of ten children of Appolonia Pawlaczyk and Walenty Hoffa. She was educated in the Schenectady School System. She married her husband Robert in 1934 and they resided in Colonie N.Y. Martha was a stay at home Mom until her children were older. She then volunteered with the Red Cross at the Ann Lee Nursing Home and later became the first Director of Activities at the Albany County Nursing Home. She and her husband retired to Florida in 1977 where she actively volunteered and was honored by the Hibiscus Childrens Center for her devoted time and services. Martha and her husband resided in Florida and continued to enjoy their summer home on Schroon Lake,N.Y. She was an avid bridge player always looking for someone to start up a game. She enjoyed golf into her early nineties and even achieved a Hole in One during her playing days. She was very talented in arts and crafts such as rug braiding, rug hooking, ceramics, oil painting, knitting and crocheting.For several years her braided rugs were displayed and available for sale at the Shaker Heritage Center. Martha was predeceased by her husband Robert Sowers and son Peter Sowers.Survivors include her children Susan(Jack)Fasciglione of Colonie and Jeffrey(Marcia) Sowers of Seattle,Wa.; daughter-in-law, Ellen Sowers of Rotterdam;grandchildren William Sowers of Corinth, Greg (Carol) Sowers of Canaan Tamara O"Brien of Schenectady, Lisa (Jason) Kois of Colonie,Max Sowers,Patrick (Stacey) Sowers and Paul Sowers all of Seattle Wa. eight great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Her funeral mass will be celebrated at 12:00 noon,Thursday, June 21,2012 at the Infant of Prague Chapel at the Teresian House 200 Washington Ave Ext. Burial will follow in Memory Gardens Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions in Martha's memory may be made to the Teresian House Resident Activity Fund, 200 Washington Avenue Extension, Albany, N.Y> 12203 or the Regional Food Bank 965 Albany- Shaker Road Latham, N.Y.12110