Martha Jean (Raymond) Rhodes

Martha J. Rhodes, 69, of Colchester, beloved wife of James, passed away peacefully on Saturday (May 20, 2017) surrounded by her loving family.  Born July 7, 1947 in Hartford, she was the daughter of the late Norman Raymond and Kathryn (Danyaw) Raymond Bloedel.  Martha married the love of her life, James Rhodes on September, 28, 1968.  Mrs. Rhodes had worked as a Payroll and Accounts Payable Coordinator for the Town of Colchester for over 30 years before her retirement.  She was also an active member of the community and of the Colchester Arts Commission where she would organize the Summer Concerts on the Green.  Her most enjoyable times were when she was with her family and friends who she so dearly loved.  She was a devoted grandmother who never missed school concerts, graduations and sporting events.  She cherished her time spent with her sister, Anne, shopping and getting their nails done.  She loved to host the family Christmas party and spoil her grandchildren with gifts.  She especially loved motorcycle rides, traveling and winters in Florida with her husband.  She also enjoyed baking, playing cards, wine tastings, walks with her friends, volunteering at the Soup Kitchen and Meals on Wheels and had a special talent for baking and decorating wedding and birthday cakes.  Martha is survived by loving husband of 48 years, James; their four children, Deborah of Florence, SC, David and his wife, Julie of Andover, MaryAnne of Glastonbury and Michael and his wife, Deanna of Marlborough; seven grandchildren; Bradleigh, Olivia, Patrick, Mia, Braeden, Cameron and Emma, six “grandpups”; two siblings and their spouses, Anne and Sherwood Kelly of Rocky Hill and John and Judy Raymond of Granby; and several nephews, nieces, extended family members and friends.  The family will receive guests from 4 – 6 PM Thursday (May 25th) at the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home, 167 Old Hartford Road, Colchester.   The Memorial Liturgy will be celebrated 10:30 AM Friday (May 26th) directly at St. Bridget of Kildare Church, 75 Moodus-Leesville Road, Moodus.  Burial will follow in the State Veterans Cemetery, Middletown.  In lieu of flowers, donation in her memory may be made to the TVCCA (to benefit Meals On Wheels), 1 Sylvandale Rd., Jewett City 06351 (www.tvcca.org/donate) or to the ASPCA, P.O. Box 96929, Washington, DC 20090-6929 (www.aspca.org).  The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff at Middlesex Hospital Critical Care Unit and Hospice Staff for their support in her final days.