Obituary of Martha M. Warburton

Martha Maria Warburton “Marty” RN

Fox Hill Farm Resident

On Tuesday, March 12, 2023, Martha went home, to heaven, to be with Jesus Christ, her Lord and Savior.

Martha was 75 yrs. old.

She was the Daughter of the late John J. Donovan and Mary Donovan (Elliott).

Preceded in death by her Son, Michael Joseph Warburton; her Daughter, Heather Leigh Warburton and her Sister, Lynn Donovan.

Survived by her Husband of 53 yrs., William J. “Worm” Warburton Sr.; Her Son, William J. Warburton Jr., His Wife, Lauren Hornberger, and Grandson, Elliott M. Warburton (Hochessin, DE). Sisters; Bette Mora, Great Falls, Montana; Mary McCormick, Exton, PA; Brothers, John F. Donovan (Nancy) Aston, PA; David Donovan (Janet) Boothwyn, PA and Rev. Michael Donovan, O.D.E.M.,  Columbus, Ohio. Also survived by numerous Nieces and Nephews and “Marty’s Girls” who loved her and revered her presence.

Martha grew up in Chester, PA.  Attending area public schools, she graduated from Chester High School in 1966. She was the “Glue” that kept all her classmate friends together, by having frequent get togethers at her home, so that everyone could keep in touch.

Martha had been taking care of relatives from a young age. So, attending the Coatesville Hospital School of Nursing was the next obvious step for a lifelong career in nursing. After graduating in 1969, Martha went to work at the National Institute of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland.  She soon returned home and continued to work at Riddle Hospital and Crozer Hospital.  Martha was a surgical nurse at a private practice. She would hold positions at various institutions as Director of Nursing.

After the death of her daughter, Heather, in an alcohol related car crash, Martha joined Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), as the victims advocate for Chester and Delaware Counties. Focusing on giving talks from her heart to teenagers, she spoke about the dangers of underage drinking and driving.

Martha had a strong Christian faith. She was a much beloved member of Middletown Presbyterian Church for 45 yrs. During that time, she was an Elder, taught Sunday School and Summer Bible School. But again, her most fulfilling position, was serving Jesus Christ, by being on the Board of Deacons and Parish Nurse, where she could directly help people.

In 1996, Martha and Bill moved to “Fox Hill Farm”, Concordville, where they were the youngest and earliest residents.  And again, Martha took on the role as Nurse for the Neighbors.

Martha had a passion for gardening, planting flowers in all the planting beds around her house (and neighbors, too) and other common planting areas.  The neighbors loved her work so much, that they had plaques made reading, “Marty’s Garden” and "Little Longwood.”

Martha’s greatest passion was family. She loved being with her Grandson, Elliott, who was the “Apple of Her Eye” and watching her Son, Bill, become a wonderful Father and Husband.  They were the reason for her to carry on when her health was failing.

All who knew her were Blessed and she was Loved by many and will be Missed by All.

Visitation: Saturday, March 25^th from 9:00-10:45AM at the Middletown Presbyterian Church, 273 S. Old Middletown Rd., Media, PA 19063.

Funeral Service: Saturday, March 25^th at 11:00AM at Middletown Presbyterian Church.

Interment: Middletown Presbyterian Churchyard.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Martha's name to The Board of Deacons of Middletown Presbyterian Church, 273 S. Old Middletown Rd., Media, PA 19063.

Join the family through the zoom link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83679129691?pwd=NVhydnQ0ak1xOHVQdXNMZTZ5d0NsQT09

Meeting ID: 836 7912 9691

Passcode: 172320