November 15, 2007

OBITUARIES

‘Marty’ Jerome

Martha-Jane “Marty” Jerome died on Nov. 6, at her home in Anacortes, Wash. She was 87.

Marty was born in Providence, R.I., on May 15, 1930, to John Alvin Pierce and Marion Caroline Rogers. She grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and attended the University of Chicago where she met her husband, Judson. They made their home in Yellow Springs, Columbia, Md., and Hancock, Md., where they raised their children.

Marty had a passion for growing things and classical music. She took great pleasure in becoming a master gardener and her involvement in the development of the Discovery Garden in Mount Vernon; in particular, the Enabling Garden offering special needs accessibility. Her volunteer work also included hospice in four states, Skagit Literacy Council and the Anacortes Senior Center. She formally taught preschool, worked as an activities assistant and as a self-employed producer of wind chimes.

Marty will be remembered for her green thumb, sense of humor, her devotion to friends and family, her zest for life and love of cheesecake.

She was preceded in death by her daughters, Jenny and Emily; and her husband of 43 years, Dr. Judson Blair Jerome.

She is survived by her children, Michelle and John Riggs of Bellingham, Wash., Beth and Richard Williamson of Anacortes, Wash., Polly Jerome and Eileen Riley of Peacham, Vt., and Topher Jerome of Seattle, Wash.; and her grandchildren, Tom Johnson, Cory Brown, Megan, Evan and Jenna Williamson, and Asa and Gabe Riley.

Her family held an open house in her memory on Saturday, Nov. 10. In lieu of flowers Marty requested donations be made to Camphill Special Schools, 1784 Fairview Road, Glenmore, PA 19343 or WSU-Mt. Vernon Northwestern Washington Research and Extension Center, 16650 State Route 536, Mt. Vernon, WA 98273.