Martha L. Gidich, 79, Enjoyed Cross-Stitch, Knitting and Travelling
Martha L. Gidich (nee Calland), 79, of Lorain, died Tuesday January 4, 2011 at Autumn Aegis Nursing Home in Lorain.
She was born January 31, 1931 in Louisville, Kentucky and had resided in Lorain since 1952. She grew up in Columbus and graduated from Westerville High School in 1948. Martha attended Otterbein University in Westerville where she earned a Bachelor Degree in Education in 1952. Later she attended Cleveland State University for her Advanced Teaching Certificate.
Martha was a teacher at Fairhome Elementary School, Vincent Elementary School and Lorain High School. She started the Learning Disabilities Program (Special Education) at Lorain High School and taught there until her retirement in 1994.
Martha was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Lorain, the Lorain Education Association, Retired Teachers Association, Lakeland Women's Club, the Knit-Wit Club and the Antiques Club, both of Lakeland Women's Club.
She enjoyed cross-stitch, knitting, and traveling. Martha had visited all 50 states and almost all of Canada, had taken eight trips to Alaska and two voyages on the family boat on the Great Lakes.
She is survived by her husband of 53 years Paul Gidich, children Paul C. (Celeste) Gidich of Columbus, Mary (Robert) Bari of Wakeman and Jean (Pat) Gidich-Holbrook of Elmore, grandchildren Drew Holbrook, Meaghan Bari, Shawn Bari, Devon Holbrook, Haleigh Bari and Rebecca Bari. She was preceded in death by her daughter Ruth Anne Gidich in 1965 and brother John Calland.
The family will receive friends Friday 2 p.m. - 4 p.m., 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. at the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway Ave., Lorain and on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 1305 E. Erie Ave., Lorain. (Please meet at the church on Saturday). The Rev. Richard Hudak, pastor, will officiate. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery in Lorain.
Because of Martha's devotion to special education her family has decided to establish a memorial fund in her honor. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Martha Gidich Special Education Memorial Fund, c/o LSECU, 4459 Oberlin Ave., Lorain, OH. 44053.
Online condolences may be made at www.gluvna.net.