Martha Abbott Holland

Martha King Abbott Holland, 85, of Chestertown, MD, formerly of Concord, MA, died on Saturday, April 1, 2017, in Washington, DC. Born in New York City, NY, on January 14, 1932, she was the eldest of four children born to the late Rev. Frederic Everett Abbott and Frances (Reyburn) Abbott. Martha spent the early part of her childhood in Katonah, NY. During World War II, she lived in Panama where her father was in command of the post exchange. She graduated from Rosemary Hall and Wellesley College with a BA in History, and went on to receive an MS in Education from University of Pennsylvania. For a year, Martha served as the Assistant Director of Grenfell Mission orphanage in St. Anthony, Newfoundland. She taught first grade at Friends Central School in Philadelphia, PA, and also taught at Bedford-Rippowam School in Bedford, NY. In August 1956, Martha married her husband, Frederick, and the family moved to Massachusetts in 1966. Martha began working as a sales clerk at the Concord Depot in 1977, and then opened her own store, Martha's Studio of Fine Miniatures, which she ran until 1985. She was also head of shipping and receiving at The Concord Bookshop, and a volunteer bird watching instructor for the National Audubon Society at Drumlin Farm in Lincoln. In 1990, she received her Masters in Historical Archaeology from UMass Boston. Martha did field work at Old Sturbridge Village and Brook Farm, and went on to participate in archaeological digs at Carew Castle in Wales, Hadrian's Wall in Cumbria, England, and Nan Ranch in New Mexico. In 2005, Martha retired and moved to Chestertown, MD, with her husband Frederick, where she kept active. She served as secretary for the Kent County Democrats and could be found on Saturday mornings presiding over the Democrats' booth with the rest of the "Dawn Patrol" at the Chestertown Farmers' Market. She was a member of the League of Women Voters, the Woman's Literary Club, and was selected "Volunteer of the Year" by the United Way for her tireless work, together with her beloved sister, delivering fresh eggs each week to the Kent County Community Food Pantry. An avid and talented quilter, Martha was a member of the Old Kent Quilters Guild. Many of her beautiful quilts have been on display at the Chestertown Library, Heron Point, and the Evergrain Bread Company. Martha had many passions, and pursued them all with joy. She loved the Red Sox and the Patriots, birding, learning about WWII history, quilting, knitting, working on dollhouse miniatures, sailing, playing the recorder and penny whistle, painting watercolors, reading mystery novels, and all things British. Most of all, she loved spending time surrounded by her large and loving family. She is survived by her beloved husband, Dr. Frederick C. Holland; their children, Peter of Ann Arbor, MI, Daniel of New York City, NY, David of Petersham, MA, Martha of Newtown, PA, and Sarah of South Portland, ME. She is also survived by her sister Frances of Chestertown, MD; her brother Samuel of Brookline, MA; nine grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Martha was predeceased by her sister, Frederica, of Charlottesville, VA, and by her infant son, Samuel. A funeral service will be held for Martha on Saturday, April 8 at 1 p.m. at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, 130 Speer Road, Chestertown, MD. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Martha to the Kent County Public Schools Special Projects Fund, ℅ Chesapeake Charities, 101 Log Canoe Circle, Suite O, Stevensville, MD 21666, or to a charity of your choice.

Martha Abbott Holland

January 14, 1932 - April 1, 2017