Martha Johnson Anthony

NORTHFIELD – Martha Johnson Anthony, 90, a lifelong resident of Middlesex, Montpelier, and Northfield, our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away at home early morning Monday, September 12, 2016. She died as peacefully as she lived, surrounded by family, friends, and caregivers.
Martha was born in Waterbury on January 11, 1926, she was the daughter of the late Bert and Gertrude (Edwards) Johnson.
She was a graduate of Waterbury High School and an employee of the National Life Insurance Company in Montpelier. Martha married Philip Anthony in 1948 and their time together lasted 67 years.
Martha worked over 30 years as an executive secretary with National Life Insurance Company. Following her retirement, she was active with knitting, cribbage, crafts, and traveling. Martha enjoyed bowling, Waterbury Senior Citizens, Red Hats Society, and volunteer work at Central Vermont Medical Center with her sister, the late Mary Hunter. Martha always could get those word searches, crossword puzzles, and jigsaw puzzles completed quickly. Her sons continually asked her for catchy sayings, lines, and verses for poems or other projects. Martha should have been in the greeting card business as her quick wit and fun sayings fit every occasion perfectly.
Survivors include her children James Anthony (Jim) of Gray, TN and Peter Anthony (Pete) of Puyallup, WA; five grandchildren, Melinda Anthony (Mindy), Alicia Anthony, Dan Anthony, Brandi Anthony, and Lindsey Evans; four great-grandchildren, Tucker Anthony, Kurstin Anthony, Haley Anthony, and Autumn Algoe; as well as nieces, nephews, and other extended family. She is also survived by a wide circle of special friends, neighbors, and pets.
She is predeceased by her cherished husband Philip Anthony of 67 years who passed away only 15 hours earlier the previous day; as well as her cherished sisters Arabella Slack, Ivis Hickory, and Mary Hunter and brothers Dean Johnson and Carol Johnson.
A celebration of Martha’s life will be held on Friday, September 23, 2016, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Canadian Club in Barre.
Contributions in her memory may be made to the Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice, 600 Granger Road, Barre, VT 05641.