Martha Dannenhauer

ROME - Martha A. (Emm) Dannenhauer, age 70, reached the end of her journey as she passed away on Friday, November 24, 2017 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center amid the comfort of her loved ones. Born in Syracuse on January 22, 1947, Martha was the daughter of the late Dr. William C. and Dorothy (Cummings) Emm. She graduated from Nazareth College in 1968 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration. Martha’s main employment was with the New York Telephone Company, later known as Verizon, in the Business Office at the Syracuse location. She retired in 2003 after 26 years of service. Martha’s profession was well-matched to her personality of connecting to people. She was poised, precise, and persuasive in her service style and was admired by her co-workers. Martha’s mannerism was a mixture of silly and sarcastic. She appreciated humor and loved laughter. She had a dash of a controlling personality, mitigated by a preponderance of good intentions and love. Selfless in her actions, self-assured in her thoughts, and self-directing in her humanitarian efforts, Martha’s altruistic attributes were instilled by her parents who were role models for compassion and integrity. They believed in education, lifelong learning, and a solid work ethic. In 1997, Martha completed her Master’s program in Adult Education and Literacy from Syracuse University. She took leadership in this area and volunteered at the Learning Place in Syracuse. Most recently through AARP, she prepared tax returns and was an advocate for those in need of assistance. She also oversaw the Business Center at the Turning Stone Casino for a period of time. She was raised and nurtured with a strong Catholic influence and sustained a deep spirituality in God and his plan and her role in that plan. She surrendered to his will and was ready for whatever he had in store. Martha was grateful to God for giving her a daughter who fought for her life at birth and became her whole world. Though faced with challenges, Martha was a great mom, attentive, aware, and accommodating of her daughter’s life. She wanted the best for Sarah! She was graced with two grandchildren, Sam and Carla, and was extremely close to them. She helped raise them, watched them grow, and loved them so much. All she wanted was for them to have the best that life had to offer. She will always be present in their lives from above, to guide and assure them of her love. Martha was also blessed with a bond with her friend Pat. Although they were diverse in spirit, they were kindred in soul. They came to love each other, formed a family, and worked as a team to accomplish challenging goals. Some of their intentions have not been carried out, but Pat will continue the mission. Pat has risen to the challenge above and beyond what anyone could expect in seeing Martha through the myriad of needs during her journey. On their more adventurous side, they were off season travelers, favoring the beauty of the East Coast, as well as the lights and shows of LasVegas. All in all, it has been a great life, and “that’s that!” Martha is survived by her daughter, Sarah A. Richards; her grandchildren, Samuel W. Richards, US Air Force and his wife Nicole, and Carla A. Buffett; her sister, Catherine Remsberg; and her best friend and house mate, Pat Webb. Martha found friendships that were unique to different phases of her life and meant so much to her, especially Cheryl and Bob Thomas, SJBA friends, college friends, and Verizon friends. She felt that “friends are angels that help you stand when your wings are broken”. Among her greatest loves were her four legged companions Max and Molly, and she always remembered Lady Girl and Susie who have gone before her. They all kept her laughing and filled her heart with unconditional love. She was predeceased by her brother-in-law, Stanley Ray Remsberg. The family is grateful to Dr. Atul Butala and his entire office staff for their unparalleled guidance and kindness; the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center 6th Floor staff who were outstanding and amazing in their loving care and personal time devoted to Martha. Many friends were made in this place and time and Martha was thankful and personally touched by their compassionate care. The amazing Intensive Care Unit angels gave Martha the most graceful send-off to her new life. A sincere thank you to the Floyd Volunteer EMT’s for their timely response. Special appreciation to Fr. Anthony LaFache for his spiritual support and administration of the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Martha’s funeral service and Celebration of life which will commence on Monday, December 11, at 9:00 am at St. John the Baptist Church, 406 Court Street, Syracuse, NY, where her Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Father Michael Carmola. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass. Inurnment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Dewitt. Those wishing to express an act of kindness in Martha’s memory may make a donation to the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, 5001 Angel Canyon Road, Kanab, Utah 84741 or online at https://www.bestfriends.org.

Martha Dannenhauer

January 22, 1947 - November 24, 2017