Martha E. Brandriff

September 16, 1922 - May 23, 2011

Martha E. Brandriff

On May 23, 2011, of Pitman. Age 88. Born in Newfield, the youngest of five sisters. Survived by two sisters, Rebecca B. Mullen Hopwood of Newfield, and Grace B. Ennis Joseph Hubert of Pitman. Predeceased by sisters Ruth Surdam Walter of Forest Grove, and Mary Ann Eakin Frank of N. Plainfield. Also survived by 12 nieces and nephews – Rebecca Ann Geesey George of Maine, Walter E. Surdam Sandra of Vineland, Grace Mullen of Philadelphia, David Eakin Teresita of Pittstown, Martha Rudolph of Turnersville, Katherine Barbaro Robert of Aura, Thomas Ennis Janet of Sicklerville, Susan Quemore James of Sewell, Leah Lazewski Lee of Texas, Linda Ennis Charles of West Deptford, Andrew Ennis Kathy of Swedesboro, and Roger Ennis Karin of Newfield. They have been a valued part of her life and her pleasure. She also had many loyal friends from her Garden Club, Book Clubs and neighborhood.

Martha graduated from Vineland High School in 1939 and the Women’s College, University of Delaware, in April 1943. Graduation was accelerated then to accommodate the war-time need for civilian workers. She worked at the Philadelphia Quartermasters for the duration of the war. Most notable employment after that was as a 4-H Club Agent in Cayuga County, NY, and in Sussex County, NJ. Her last 19 years of employment was with the Bell System, primarily Bell Telephone Laboratories. She retired from Telecordia Technologies, one of the new Bell System companies that emerged from the break-up of the Bell System, in 1984.

Martha’s many interests and pursuits included hiking, nature studies, family genealogy, art, theater, gardening, reading, travel and people.

Services are private and under the care of the EGIZI FUNERAL HOME, Washington Twp.

Contributions in Martha’s memory may be made to the Children’s Home Society of New Jersey, 635 S. Clinton Ave., Trenton, NJ 08611 or to the Fortune Home Society, 29-76 Northern Blvd., Long Island City, NY 11101.

“A Life Well Lived Is Worth Remembering.”

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Martha E. Brandriff On May 23, 2011, of Pitman. Age 88. Born in Newfield, the youngest of five sisters. Survived by two sisters, Rebecca B. Mullen Hopwood of Newfield, and Grace B. Ennis Joseph Hubert of Pitman. Predeceased by sisters Ruth Surdam Walter of Forest Grove, and Mary Ann Eakin Frank of N. Plainfield. AlsoContinue Reading

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Aunt Marty was always a wonderful and kind person. she was a joy to be around and her wisdom, especially, of nature will live on.

Iknew Martha through Great Books and greatly admired her feisty spirit. Because of a recommendation from Martha, my husband and I took a hiking trip in England, which brought us great pleasure. Martha savored life and did not suffer fools gladly, both characteristics I esteem. I did not know Martha well -- but I am glad I had a chance to know her. Kathleen Stevens

Dear Aunt Marty You were fun to be with and do things with. It is not going to be the same with out you when we do our girls night out.

"Aunt" Marty was a wonderful woman and an inspiration. Although we are not relatives by blood, she welcomed us into her extended family. We are happy that we got to know her and enjoyed the time we spent with her. We will miss her.

What a joy to have known and loved Martha. She was a true educator. Her disciplines included botany, literature, the arts, English and fashion. Yes fashion-Halloween fashion. She was privy to several unique costume choices and last Oct. was the perfect pumpkin. We trick or treated Pitman streets like 10 year olds. What a hoot it was! Martha you will be missed on so many levels, but especially this Halloween. Peace to all who knew and enjoyed her spirit. Charlotte Ryan

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I think I took it for granted that Aunt Marty would always be there with her cole slaw, Spanish cream and pumpkin bread, her newspaper clippings and typewritten notes, her interest in all the mundane details of our everyday life and pride in our accomplishments. I think I assumed I would always be able to turn to her to set me straight on the finer points of family history, to find out the family news, and to broadcast our milestones. Now that we've lost Aunt Marty as our chronicler, historian, and news service, may we all become closer with her memory in our hearts.

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Martha. She was one remarkable woman. I am so glad that I had the pleasure of meeting her through Kathy and the Country Garden Club. She was fondly referred to as "Aunt Marty". We all loved her. She will be deeply missed for her knowledge, her spirit, her sharing and most of all her love of people.

Martha was an awesome lady who enriched the lives of all who met her. In our Book Talk group at the Deptford Library she was a thought-provoking contributor to our discussions. As a friend she was a pleasure to know and to share points of view on many topics. She will be missed.

Carol and Bill Garrabrant send their condolences to Martha's family and friends. We will miss her at the Bilancio Great Books discussions.

Dear Martha Marty Rudolph, Please accept my condolences at this sad time in all of your lives. My father,Michael Leshay, who would have been 98 at the end of this year, spoke fondly of the Brandriff family. What a wonderful life she lived, and there will be many memories to be enjoyed. Please know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers. Fondly, Gloria Magliocco

My condolences to Dave and Tess and all of Aunt Marty's relatives. She was a bright energetic, interesting woman. I am honored to have spent some time with her throughout the years.

Aunt Marty, You’ve been a constant presence in my life and I’m at a loss of how to say goodbye. It’s a rare person who teaches you gin rummy, the lost art of letter writing, an appreciation of found art, and a love of nature. You shared and supported us through both big and small milestones as we grew up -- school field trips, proms, graduations, weddings, holidays, and family gatherings. You gave me your opinion even when I didn’t want to hear it, and I will miss your straight-shooting, no-nonsense advice. May we all carry forward your love of family togetherness, your curiosity and interest in the world around us, and your selflessness in helping others. Thank you for everything you gave and shared with us.

Dear Tess, Dave and family, Memories of love and friendship are treasures for us to carry with you and Marty always. We are so happy to have known her via you guys. She was special just like her sister, Mary. Love always, Liz and Bill Crawford

How could it be that death always comes so uninvited and so seemingly swift? We all knew that her death was nearing and yet the news of its reality leaves us so bereft and inconsolable. I just need to remember that during these last months, Aunt Mart was surrounded with so many of all of us who loved her and friends who treasured her. She will be missed -- our auntie who took delight in all of our endeavors, our accomplishments, our milestones, and yes, even our mishaps. She was our chronicler, our inspiration for family gatherings, our welcome companion when we needed her, and our chief instigator for a lively game of Uno or Scrabble at family gatherings. I know each of us will never forget her generosity and her love for all of us! To her friends from the Garden Club, her Book Club, her Pitman neighbors, friends from her Westfield and North Plainfield days, who visited and comforted her, thank you. We were so glad to meet you and see you at her bedside.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.