Martha S. Fava's Obituary
September 16, 1938 – October 28, 2024
On Monday morning, October 28th, 2024, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Martha “Patsy” Fava died peacefully in her residence at Brandywine Living in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. She was 86.
Patsy was born September 16, 1938, in Philadelphia, PA to Cooper and Martha Smith. She grew up in Chestnut Hill with two big brothers, Kip, and Beatty. She graduated from Springside School (now Springside Chestnut Hill School) in 1956 and from Bryn Mawr College in 1958, earning a degree in education. A gifted teacher, she was the favorite of kindergarteners and 1st graders at Chestnut Hill Academy. In June of 1959, Patsy married the love of her life, Alex Fava, with whom she would spend 62 wonderful years.
When Alex was commissioned into the United States Marines Corp, as a military spouse, Patsy often parented her two young children single-handedly and organized the family moves first to Quantico, VA then to Camp LeJeune, NC. After the military, the family returned for a few years to Philadelphia before moving to South Freeport and then Yarmouth, Maine.
Whether cruising the coast and islands of Casco Bay or wandering the woods of Wolfe’s Neck, the beauty and natural wonders of Maine filled Patsy with delight. She shared her appreciation and respect for all of nature, its curiosities and treasures with her children and grandchildren guiding them on the hunt for sea glass and her favorite yellow snail shells, collecting the juiciest raspberries for jam, observing baby ospreys in the nest and harbor seals among the seaweed.
Creative, active, and engaged in the community, Patsy decorated and painted furniture, hooked oriental rugs, and, as a local garden club member, filled her home and village gardens with plants and flowers. She sang with an adult choir that performed regularly at Bowdoin College, was a wonderful cook, an avid reader, and practiced Tai Chi. Passionate about helping and giving to others, she volunteered with charity groups and worked for many years at the philanthropic organization, The Women’s Exchange in Portland.
When in 2004, Patsy endured several debilitating strokes, her resilience and courage became an example for all who knew her. She maintained her sense of humor, positivity, and love of life. In 2015, Patsy and Alex moved from Maine to Wilmington, NC to enjoy warm days and southern hospitality, making many wonderful friends in their new home. In 2021, Patsy’s dear Alex passed away and she once again exhibited strength in coping with his loss.
Patsy will be remembered for her fortitude, beautiful smile, quick wit, and devotion to Alex and her family. She will be deeply missed by her daughter, Patty Storms, and partner, Morty Bachar; her son Ted Fava and wife, Raquel; six treasured grandchildren and six cherished great-grandchildren.
The family will join together for a Celebration of Life at Riverside Cemetery in Yarmouth, Maine in the coming summer of 2025.
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