Obituary of Martha S. Hauser

Martha S. Hauser Age 90, of Horseheads, NY, currently residing at the Taylor Health Center, died on Saturday, December 26, 2020. Martha was born to Alfred and Marion (Moore) Smith in Syracuse, NY on November 3, 1930. She was a graduate of Syracuse University and always proud of her alma mater. She moved to Connecticut where she met husband Frank Hauser, a music teacher and church organist/choir director/soloist. They raised their two daughters in Connecticut, and then moved to Horseheads, NY, in 1983, which they would call home for the rest of their lives. After 58 years of marriage, Frank predeceased Martha in 2014. Martha is survived by devoted daughters Ruth Hauser, of Horseheads NY, and Rita (Joe) Scalia of Clifton Park, NY; her grandchildren, always a source of pride, Jennie (Dan) Miller MD, Kevin (Kelly) Earle, and Alissa (Adam) Earle PhD; and great-grandchildren Zachary and Tyler Miller, a source of delight in recent years. She was predeceased by sister Barbara Leahey, and is survived by sister Nancy (Paul) Baratier and brother Arthur Smith, and by many loving nieces and nephews and Horseheads friends. Martha held a variety of positions during her working years: personnel director, home ec teacher, radio show speaker, reading tutor, ARC residence counselor and driver, BOCES classroom aide. She greatly enjoyed meeting and speaking with people. She loved family history and genealogy, especially her family’s centuries old connections to the Finger Lakes. Her Christian faith and love of reading were lifelong companions. She joined the Elmwood Presbyterian Church in Syracuse, NY, April 25, 1943, and eventually the First Presbyterian Church of New Haven, CT, where she was ordained an Elder and served as clerk of session. Later she transferred to the First Presbyterian Church of Horseheads, NY. She was generous with her pride and affection for loved ones as well as her gift giving, at times memorably creative. She was authentic and original. She loved celebrations of all kinds, attending graduations and funerals with more enthusiasm than most. She early planned her own memorial service. She was deeply loved by family and friends. A memorial celebrating her life will be held on Saturday, June 19th, 2021 at the First Presbyterian Church Horseheads, 2943 Westinghouse Rd., Horseheads, NY at 1 PM. Family and friends are invited to gather at the church at 12:15 PM. Per CDC regulations, those not vaccinated will be required to wear masks. Those wishing to sing during the church service will also be required to wear masks when singing. Committal and interment will follow in the Hector Presbyterian Church Cemetery, 5511 NY-414, Hector, NY 14841.