Martha Massey Howden lived a life of quiet dedication to her community, to justice, and to the belief that every person deserves dignity. A calm and generous presence to all who knew her, she leaves behind a legacy defined by love.
Martha was born in Fredericksburg, VA to C. Rosser Massey and Kathryn Harlin Massey. She grew up with deep ties to the family farm in Post Oak, VA, where she developed a love of horses that she carried into competitive riding in her youth.
Her career was dedicated to serving others. She taught special education in Macon, GA and later became the first principal of the New Orleans Free School. She then moved to Rochester, NY where she transitioned into counseling and social work. In Rochester, she built a private clinical practice that she sustained for many years.
Martha’s commitment to justice extended far beyond her professional life. Moved by a conversation with a family friend who had attended the 1963 March on Washington, she became an active participant in civil rights, social justice, peace, and environmental movements. She sustained this commitment for the rest of her life. A longtime member of Metro Justice, Martha served on the board of The Interface Alliance of Rochester, and was a devoted member of the Rochester Zen Center. Her Buddhist practice deepened and affirmed values she had carried her whole life: a belief in the dignity of all people and the importance of living with care for the world and for one another.
Martha was predeceased by her parents, C. Rosser and Kathryn Harlin Massey; her former husband Frank D. Howden; her sister Nancy Harris; and her son Paul Massey Howden. She is survived by her brothers Dr. CR “Chip” Massey and Blanton Massey and their families; her son Stephan Howden and his wife Susan; her daughter Kathryn and David; her grandchildren (their spouses) Arthur (Andrea), Artemisha (Lee), Gideon (Portia), Gwyndolyn (John), Wesley (Kenzie), and Carlin (Robert); and her great-grandchildren Wesley, Alma, Francis, Julius, Edith, Calista, Tallulah, and Myles.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 27th at 1:00 PM at the Retreat Center at Chapin Mill (8570 Retreat Center Dr., Batavia, NY 14020). All are welcome.
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Love and sympathy to Martha’s family and friends. She was such a dear and caring person, and I am thankful for having known her.
Martha was an oasis in a storm, the only person the Free School that had a real educational background and use her training and creativity to really teach those of us who were truly wild. It’s because of her I learned math, was excited by it and never afraid of it. She had a powerful calmness that put all at ease. Rest in peace beautiful soul.
Martha was an oasis in a storm, the only person at the Free School that had a real educational background and use her training and creativity to really teach those of us who were truly wild. It’s because of her I learned math, was excited by it and never afraid of it. She had a powerful calmness that put all at ease. Rest in peace beautiful soul.
Martha is a forever friend, now in my heart. Kathryn, you gave your all to bring peace, joy and tranquility to your daughter in her life and in transition.
To an amazing person , thank you Martha . I’ll always remember you