Martha L. Youman, 72, of Hamilton died on Friday, February 17, 2017. She was born in Rochester, NY on June 26, 1944, the daughter of John W. and Rachel Howland Latcher. She grew up in Oneonta and was educated in the public schools there, graduating from Oneonta High School in 1962. She attended Wells College and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Connecticut in 1969. She earned a Master of Science degree from SUNY Oneonta in 1989.
On October 31, 1964, she married Lowell S. Youman. They moved to Hamilton in 1979 after living in Connecticut and elsewhere in New York State. After substitute teaching for several years, she taught elementary school at Sherburne-Earlville Central School for fifteen years. She also worked part time at the Hamilton Public Library for over twenty-five years.
An enthusiastic bird watcher, she enjoyed observing all aspects of the natural world. In her retirement, she took up kayaking and spent many happy hours birding and kayaking on local ponds and lakes. Music of many kinds interested her throughout her life. She was a member of several choral groups, including the Sherburne Community Chorus for over twenty years. She also sang with the Hamilton College and Community Oratorio Society until declining health forced her to stop. Travel was another interest and she especially relished visiting historic sites, castles and cathedrals wherever she went. Best of all were family gatherings, for she treasured the time together.
She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Hamilton where in earlier years, she taught Sunday School, served on the Boards of Trustees and Deacons, and was a member of the Christian Women’s Fellowship.
She is survived by her husband, Lowell S. Youman; three wonderful children, Roy L. Youman (Juliet Borja) of Somerville, MA; Melanie Youman (Michael Woloson) of South Bristol, NY; and Leah Clay-Youman (Severn Clay-Youman) of Brooklyn, NY. She also leaves behind five beloved grandchildren, Sadie, Cora and Malcolm Woloson, Kaspar and Linnaea Clay-Youman. Three sisters also survive, Dr. Judith Himber of Cambridge, MA; Janice Wendt of Sewickley, PA; and Mary Ellen Grimaldi of Schodack, NY, as well as several nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1pm Saturday June 17, 2017 at the First Baptist Church, Broad St, Hamilton. Burial will be in the Madison Street Cemetery, Hamilton
In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to remember her is welcome to contribute to the First Baptist Church, Hamilton; the Hamilton Public Library; or the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

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