Martha Manetta McConnell

Martha M. McConnell, 75, of Dover, passed away Wednesday, December 17, 2003 at New Dawn Assisted Living Center.Born May 31, 1928 in Ohio, she was the daughter of the late Eugene Herbert and Elizabeth Frances (Bigelow) Schmidt.After high school, Martha continued her education at Michigan State University where she obtained her degree in journalism. She had a rich career working for newspapers, the U.S. Census Bureau, and retiring from the Department of Health and Human Services where she was a social worker. After retirement, she continued to give back to the community by volunteering at numerous organizations including T-4-C, the United Health Foundation, Union Hospital, Hospice of Tuscarawas County, and the Juvenile Court Citizen’s Review Board. Martha served as a board member to many of these organizations. She was also a founding member of the county’s Share-A-Christmas program. Throughout her full life, she had the blessing of working in Quito, Equador where she met her husband, the late Herbert Ellsworth McConnell, Jr. Together they raised two children, Elizabeth (John) Norman of New Philadelphia and Robert (Jane) McConnell of Edinoro, PA. She is also survived by her brother, Eugene (Pat) Schmidt of Ann Arbor, MI, and four grandchildren, Cynthia (Chris) Kaletka, David (Shana) Norman, Jacob McConnell, and Zachary McConnell. In keeping with Martha’s wishes, cremation will be conducted locally through the care of the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory. She will then be buried with her husband at East Avenue Cemetery at a later date. Those wishing to express their admiration for Martha are requested to make a memorial contribution in her memory to Share-A-Christmas, c/o T-4-C, 1458 5th St. NW, New Philadelphia, Ohio, 44663.