Obituary: Martha J. Todd

November 2, 1944 ~ April 14, 2023

Martha Josephine Sanders Todd (Marty) died on April 14, 2023, in Appleton, Wisconsin. She was born in Owensboro, Kentucky, on November 2, 1944. She grew up in the small town of Tell City, Indiana and lived in Vincennes, Indiana, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Pewee Valley, Owensboro, and Louisville, Kentucky and spent the last 18 years of her life in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.  

Marty dedicated her life to supporting and caring for others. She graduated from Indiana University in 1967 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education. She taught French and Spanish in both public and private schools in Indiana and Kentucky. She also worked as an early childhood educator in addition to running her own daycare center where she emphasized environmental education. She obtained her Master’s degree in Counseling from the University of Louisville in 1992, graduating with honors. She devoted most of her career to supporting vulnerable teens and children in youth group homes and child welfare.

Marty’s two girls were the center of her world and she loved being a mother. She loved traveling (Paris being her favorite) and spending time outdoors with her daughters camping, hiking, canoeing or kayaking. Animals were a beloved part of her life, especially her last two dogs, Nellie and Joey. Her spirit shined brightly and she always enjoyed planning parties and celebrations, her annual Kentucky Derby Party being particularly special. She participated in community theater in Kentucky and Wisconsin, designing and hand making costumes for plays. She was funny, clever and witty and never lost her childlike spirit. 

She is preceded in death by her mother & father – Frances and Thomas Sanders, and her siblings – Margaret Johnson and Tom Sanders. She is survived by her two daughters – Carrie Counihan (Dave) of Sturgeon Bay, WI and Sara Todd, of Madison, WI, as well as two nieces – Kate Sanders and Jennifer Ray. 

Cremation was chosen and a celebration of life will be held later this summer. Donations can be made in loving memory to the mental health resource center Jak’s Place in Sturgeon Bay, WI, where Marty volunteered and “wanted everyone to know they had a friend.”  Forbes Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.