Obituary of Martha A. Gridley

Martha Ann Gridley, 86, of Liverpool passed away peacefully Wednesday, July 1, 2020 at Keepsake Village. She was a longtime resident of Baldwinsville and actively involved in the United Methodist Church. She grew up on Onondaga Hill and attended Onondaga Valley Academy in Syracuse. Her passion was music from a young age, and she pursued music education with a piano emphasis at Syracuse University, graduating in 1956. She started her teaching career in 1953, teaching vocal music in Grades 1-8 in New Lebanon Central School District. She went to Baldwinsville the following year, teaching both vocal and instrumental music. Upon completion of her master's in elementary education at Syracuse University, she taught second and third grades at Van Buren, Palmer, and McNamara schools in the Baldwinsville Central School District. When she retired after 27 years in education, she remained very active. She began a part-time career in Suzuki piano, teaching lessons in her home. She was a very devoted mother and grandmother and was very involved in each of her three daughters and seven grandchildren's lives. She was very active in the Baldwinsville First United Methodist Church, as a member of the bell choir, the couples club Samasan, and as a Cheery Visitor for shut-in members. She became active and a supporter of the Alzheimer's Association when her husband, Wesley Gridley, was diagnosed with Pick's Disease, a dementia similar to Alzheimers. Family was her priority and she was extremely supportive of all her family, attending all plays, concerts, award's banquets, sporting events, her children or grandchildren were part of. She established many family gathering traditions, which she continued until five days before she moved out of her home. Her love for her family, love of teaching, passion for music, sense of humor, laugh, always upbeat spirit, were unparalleled. Survivors: Martha is predeceased by her husband, Wesley Gridley of 45 years. She is survived by her brother Brinton DeSilva of Cazenovia, three daughters, Sharon Gridley-Pelkie (Timothy) of Liverpool, Susan Lippke (Richard) of Phoenix, and Dawn Glauberman of Liverpool, seven grandchildren, Tyler, Taylor, and Corinne Pelkie, Robert Lippke, Kayla (William) Lentz, Brian and Elaina Glauberman, three nieces and one nephew. Calling hours: Tuesday, July 7 10 am-12 noon at Falardeau Funeral Home, 93 Downer Street, Baldwinsville. Funeral services: Immediately following calling hours for family. Contributions: The Alzheimers Association of CNY, 441 W. Kirkpatrick St., Syracuse, N.Y. 13204, First United Methodist Church of Baldwinsville, 17 West Genesee St., Baldwinsville, N.Y. 13027.