Martha Frances Oldham

Martha Frances Oldham, nee Newman, of Taneytown entered eternal life on Monday, April 25, 2022, with her loving family at her side, including Kenneth Oldham, Sr her husband of 53 years.

She was the second child of seven born to the late Edison E. and Mary R. Newman de Marquez. Born in Denver, CO in 1947, the family moved to Rockville, MD in 1959 where she graduated from Robert E. Peary HS in 1965. She attended Montgomery College, then began working at GEICO in Bethesda. After her marriage to Ken in 1969 she continued at GEICO until the birth of their daughter, Marnie. The young family relocated to Thurmont, MD then Taneytown, MD welcoming their second child, Kenneth, Jr.

When her children entered Mother Seton School in Emmitsburg, Martha began her career there as a teacher’s aide, substitute teacher, office assistant and sometimes bus driver.  She then worked at Long and Foster in Taneytown and Frederick as an office administrator.

Truly a servant of her Lord Jesus, Martha attended daily Mass and volunteered for over 40 years at St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Taneytown in many capacities including in the music ministry and parish council.  A faithful witness to her Catholic faith, she was the Godmother and Confirmation sponsor to a host of nephews, nieces, family friends as well as her two oldest grandchildren.

Martha was the glue who held her extended family together. After her mother’s death in 1990, Martha took over as family matriarch, hosting the large family for all celebrations. Often as many as 35 family members graced her Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter dinners. She remembered each family members’ birthday, and every child found birthday money tucked into their cards.

Survivors include her husband, Kenneth A Oldham, Sr, her daughter; Marnie O. Pierce (Scott) of Finksburg, MD; son Kenneth A Oldham, Jr (Melissa) of Jefferson, MD, grandchildren; Benjamin and Abigail Pierce, Landon and Breeze Oldham. She is also survived by siblings; Michael L. Newman (Marilyn) of Port Royal, VA, Patricia M Jacob (Van) of Mt. Airy, MD, Edward M. Newman (Elisabeth) of Fort Worth, TX, and Carolyn L Delhagen (Forrest), Diane L. Creel, and Garrick P Newman (Lori) all of Parrish, FL. She will be missed by a multitude of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews as she was a loving aunt to all.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Taneytown MD on Monday, May 9, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow the service at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 44 Frederick St., Taneytown, MD, 21787.