Martha Lee Danielson

Martha Lee “Marty” Danielson passed away Saturday, April 13, 2024 at the Pavillion at Penney Retirement Community in Penney Farms, Florida. She was surrounded by friends and family every hour in her last days.

Marty was born June 25, 1933 in Weymouth, Massachusetts to Edward H. and Lillian M. Crane. She had two brothers, Edward E. Crane and Fred H. Crane. Marty was involved with the Girl Scouts program, enjoyed reading and cooking, as well as babysitting. A teacher from the outset, she taught her brothers reading, writing, and arithmetic when they were 4 and 5.

Marty graduated from Abington High School in 1951. She was involved with the student council, yearbook, and debate team. She attended one year at Framingham Teachers College and then went on to Gordon College in Boston and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Early Elementary Education in 1955.

While in Boston, Marty met her future husband, Gordon at the Sears & Roebuck in 1953, where they both held part-time jobs. They were married in her home church on June 9, 1955. The two recently celebrated their upcoming 69th wedding anniversary. In 1969, they moved to Westerville, Ohio and three years later adopted their daughter, Molly. Marty was blessed with two grandsons, Weston and Everett, whom she loved dearly.

Marty first taught in Rowley, Massachusetts and in her summertime off helped lead youth groups in Worcester, MA and Vacation Bible School in Maine and New Hampshire. In addition to her love of teaching, Marty was active in various church groups from Massachusetts to Florida, as they moved for Gordon’s pastoral duties. She taught in Sunbury, Ohio and then worked as a graduate assistant at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, and completed a Master’s Degree in Special Learning Disabilities. Following her time at Marshall, she taught at three area schools in Vienna, West Virginia. A supportive Mother to Molly, from band and piano practices to cheerleading practices and dance rehearsals, she laid the foundation for academic success.

Her favorite pastime after retiring and moving to Jensen Beach, Florida was looking for shells on the beach. Marty and Gordon lived there nine years before moving to Penney Retirement Community (PRC) in 2008. She was fortunate to take many trips with Gordon, including Alaska, Nicaragua, British Columbia, Egypt, and Europe over the years. They visited Oregon nearly every year, with their last trip in August 2022. Countless Spring Breaks and Fall trips were spent either on the Oregon or Florida Coast with the Slack Family, stacking memories high with her beloved grandsons. She was involved with countless groups at PRC, including serving meals at Penmor Place, Clown Ministry, managing and decorating the Coffee Shop, Penney Buddy Committee, member of the Hospice team, 90th birthday celebration committee, and tai chi.

She was preceded in death by their son, Bruce Gordon Danielson; her parents, Edward H. and Lillian M. Crane; and her brother, Fred H. Crane. She is survived by her husband, Gordon W. Danielson; daughter, Molly J. Slack; son-in-law, Matthew B. Slack; grandsons, Weston C. and Everett R. Slack; and brother, Edward E. Crane. 

The Celebration of Life will take place August 8, 2024, at 10:30 AM at Penney Farms Church with Wendall Karsen officiating followed by a reception in McCormick Hall.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the PRC Residents’ Aid Fund. Please mail donations to: Residents' Aid Fund of PRCI PO Box 555 Penney Farms, FL 32079 Checks should be made out as follows: Payee: PRCI - Residents' Aid Fund Memo: In memory of Marty Danielson