Obituary of Martha E. Fletcher

     Mrs. Martha E. Fletcher, 89, formerly of LaFayette, NY and New Hartford, NY, passed away on Tuesday, October 11, 2023.

     Martha was born in Massena, NY, on August 24, 1934, the daughter of Stephen T. and Ellen (McKenna) Novak. She attended grade school and high school in Massena and later received her RN degree from St. Lawrence State Hospital in Ogdensburg, NY. For a short time, Martha was employed as a psychiatric nurse with Marcy Psychiatric Center in Utica. On June 7, 1958, Martha was united in marriage with Clifford T. Fletcher at St. Francis de Sales Church in Utica, and they went on to raise their four children together in New Hartford. Martha loved drawing and painting, sewing, knitting, cooking and many crafts that she passed on to her children.  She also enjoyed music and dancing, especially the Charleston. She loved going to garage sales with Cliff to hunt for treasures. Martha spread much joy in her later years, handing out candy to everyone she came across. She loved to see the smiles on their faces. She was known to those close to her as the “Candy Lady.” In recent years, Martha lived with her daughter Anne and family in LaFayette, NY, before moving to retirement communities.

     Mrs. Fletcher is survived by her four beloved children, seven cherished grandchildren and two adored great grandchildren; Anne and Bruce Wais and their children, Christine Wais (John), Derrick Wais (Shayla) and Michael Wais; Clifford J. and Suzanne Fletcher and their children, Abigail Fletcher and C.J. Fletcher; Ellen and Richard Dziekowicz and their children, Sarah (Tim) Sydoriw and Mary Dziekowicz (Nick); Stephen Fletcher; great grandchildren. Jack and Reese Sydoriw; sister, Carolyn Buttenschon; brother, Peter Novak (Geri); sisters-in-law, Cherrie Novak and Arlene Novak (Jim); daughter-in-law, Kelli Fletcher and her daughter, Cassie as well as many nieces, nephews and dear friends. She was predeceased by her husband, Clifford; parents, Stephen and Ellen Novak; grandson, Thomas Fletcher; brothers, Stephen T. Novak, Edward C. Novak and Alson Novak; sister, Mary Ellen (Murry) O’Neil; sister-in-law, Judy Novak and brother-in-law, Bob Buttenschon.

     In keeping with Martha’s wishes there are no calling hours. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to Martha’s Funeral Mass of Christian burial on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John The Evangelist Church, 66 Oxford Rd., New Hartford, NY. She will be laid to rest with her beloved husband in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Whitesboro. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may donate to the American Heart Association or any organization providing help to the homeless and those seeking help in recovering from an addiction.

     A very special thank you to those who provided loving care and contributed to Martha’s health and happiness in her later years.