Obituary of Martha J. Galusha

Olmstedville: Martha J. (Persons) Galusha, 81, of 653 Church Road, passed away peacefully, Thursday, November 9th, 2017 at Albany Medical Center following a brief illness, surrounded by her loving family. Born August 3rd, 1936 at home in Adirondack, she was the daughter of the late Byron and Doris (Cleveland) Persons. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her brother Franklin Persons and his wife, Dorothy (Harvey) Persons of Booneville. Martha is survived by the love of her life, her husband of 63 years, Gerald (Jerry) Galusha. Survivors include two daughters, Dawn M. Galusha-Hoctor (William) of Salisbury, MD and Cynthia R. (Galusha) Perkins (Terry) of Chestertown, NY, one very special and beloved granddaughter, Katherine M. Moehringer of Ferrisburgh, VT. Other survivors include many Galusha, Persons, and Cleveland nieces and nephews and lifelong friends, Viola Parker and her Maid of Honor, Caroline(LaPrairie) Bennet. Martha was an avid reader, gardener, quilter, pianist, and baker, making the tastiest pie crusts, cake frosting and banana breads. Her beautiful “Silhouette” quit was displayed at the Adirondack Museum. She enjoyed country music, sewing and had a real “green thumb” with house plants, including her massive jade tree, and prized cactus. She will be remembered for her love of butterflies, chocolates, puzzles, crystals, and an appreciation for the night sky. Martha enjoyed traveling and was always up for an adventure, especially to visit her granddaughter and often spoke of her special trips to Hawaii, Paris, France, and her train trip across Canada to see the Butchart Gardens in Vancouver, BC., with her daughter Cindy. Martha was also an active member of the Minerva Historical Society and past Director of the museum in Olmstedville, the former Methodist Church building, where she and Jerry were married on October 10th, 1954. Martha lived a full life and was a very hard worker. She cleaned area homes for her friends Fran Paradis, and Ruth Wortman of Camp Baco, and for the late Molly McGuire/Helen Barnes, and the late Rachael McGinn, of Olmstedville. She also cleaned cabins in the summer at Sand Point Assoc. in Pottersville for over 20 years, alongside her mother, Dot and daughter, Dawn. Friends may call on Martha’s family from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm, Monday November 13th, 2017, at the Alexander Funeral Home, 3809 Main St., Warrensburg. A funeral service to celebrate her life will be conducted at 10:00 am, Tuesday, November 14th, 2017, at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Federal Flats Cemetery, Olmstedville. Following the burial, all will be welcome to join her family for a luncheon at the Minerva Fire House. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in her name, to the Minerva Historical Society, PO Box 1, Olmstedville, NY 12857. Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guest book, condolences, and directions.