Obituary of Martha Freeman Sader

Martha Taylor Freeman Sader 1941 – 2023 Martha Taylor Freeman Sader, 82, of Honesdale, died peacefully at home on October 9. Martha lived life on her terms, was devoted to her family and community, and was a loyal friend to many. She is survived by her sister, Rachael Freeman Baldwin Wood and brother-in-law Harry Wood, Indian Harbour Beach, FL, and her children: Pamela Freeman Sader Treanor and husband Michael Treanor, Hawley; Melissa Taylor Sader, New York City; and Edward Emanuel Sader, his partner Jill C. Carletti, grandson Ean Edward Sader, Honesdale, and many cousins from the Katz, Taylor and Tyler families. Born in Honesdale in 1941 to Marian Grace Taylor Freeman and Edward Lincoln Freeman, Martha graduated Moravian Seminary for Girls (1958) and from Goucher College (1962) with a bachelor's degree in American Studies and a minor in Comparative Religion. Upon graduation, she lived and worked in New York City, returning to Honesdale in 1965 to raise her own family in the community that she loved. Martha's home on North Main Street was open to all and she took great pride in creating memorable and fun experiences for her guests. 1510 was a beacon of warmth, with every light glowing well into the evening. Whether it was Friday night cocktails with Lenny Weiss or a formal gathering, she was a gracious hostess who thrived on entertaining and having family and friends enjoy fabulous times around the dining room table and throughout the house. She loved throwing all kinds of parties: picnicking and parade-watching on the sidewalk, holidays and birthdays, bridge nights, and especially her legendary New Year's Eve gatherings. Always social, Martha loved visiting around town and could often be found at one of the extended family's homes, sitting on Ann Bursis' kitchen counter or in the back room with Sally Weiss at 315 16th Street. Later in life she enjoyed living at beautiful and peaceful Kellows Pond in the property developed by the family in 1952. Outside of the home, Martha was an avid horsewoman, a hobby she enjoyed with her daughter Pamela and many great horsey friends. Forever happy to be On the Road Again to a horse show, she could be seen with a big smile and feather in her hat behind the wheel of the truck hauling horses down Main Street to and from the barn. Her love of animals extended to her beloved collie dogs and rescued mutts, all of which most certainly greeted her at the Rainbow Bridge. Following in her family's long history of community service, Martha served on the Wayne Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and was elected to the Wayne Memorial Hospital Board in 1976. In 1983, she became Board Secretary, and then became the first woman Chair of Wayne Memorial Health System in 1993. After her term as Chair, she joined the Wayne Memorial Health Foundation Board of Trustees. She fondly remembered her years of service at Wayne Memorial, especially working closely with Paul Meagher, Ray Hamill, Nancy Gumble, Tom Shepstone, Ingrid Warshaw, Richard Moore, G. Richard Garman, Dr. James Gay, Milton Roegner, Bill Chatlos, Cathy Howell, and Dr. Harry Propst among others. Martha's service in the community included the first Honesdale Borough Planning Commission, the organizing committee of the Stourbridge Lion Sesquicentennial (1979), Wayne County Land Preservation Board, a Trustee of Congregation Beth Israel, and a Trustee of Dublin School in New Hampshire. She was a lifelong member of Congregation Beth Israel, a lifetime member of Honesdale Golf Club and a member of the Honesdale Country Club. Over many decades, she was involved in numerous community efforts; she valued life in Honesdale and doing all she could to help the community and Wayne County thrive. She ran unsuccessfully in 2008 for Wayne County Commissioner but thoroughly enjoyed traveling throughout the county and meeting people. This reminded her of her grandfather, Forrest Taylor, who was past Treasurer and Sherriff, and her great-grandfather, George W. Taylor, who was a County Commissioner at the turn of the 20th century. The family would like to thank her care team, especially Dr. James Cruse and Dr. Julianne O'Boyle, as well as Karon Shaffer, Margaret McDonald, Samantha Sacco, Amanda Krom, Charlene Whitmore, Kristen Knash, Ginny Fries, and Jessica Tuttle who are among the incredibly dedicated and compassionate staff at Wayne Memorial Hospice. The family will be receiving visitors at Bryant Funeral Home on Sunday, October 15, 4 pm - 6 pm. A funeral service will be held at Congregation Beth Israel, Court Street, Honesdale, on Monday, October 16, 10:00 am, followed by a private burial. A celebration of Martha's life will be held at a date to be announced. Memorial contributions may be made to Congregation Beth Israel, Honesdale, or to Wayne Memorial Health Foundation.