Martha Derby Doscher Obituary Martha Derby Doscher, a 70 year resident of New Canaan, died peacefully on April 22, at Waveny Care Center. She was 96 years young. Martha was born on February 17, 1916 in Taunton Massachusets to Rodney and Helen( Mathewson)Derby. Her family soon moved to Littleneck on Long Island, NY, where she grew up and graduated from Flushing High school, at the height of the depression. After receiving her secretarial degree, Martha worked for the Lily Tulip Cup Corporation in Manhattan, where she met and later married her devoted husband of 45 years, Fenelon K. Doscher in 1938. Martha and Fen Doscher discovered New Canaan on picnic escapes from the city, rented there through World War 11, and built the family home in 1947 on 403 West Road, named by Martha as "Greensleeves." There they raised an active family of four adventurous children, Helen, Paul, Jean, and John, and provided them with wonderful grounds, the pond, boats, and a host of animals to care for,including chickens, ducks, geese, mourning doves, rabbits, racoons, and the infamous "Jody" the donkey, who often escaped, to be returned by neighbors. Martha and Fenelon planted extensive gardens, and she was a longtime member, and then President of the New Canaan Garden Center, presiding when the Lee property azelia gardens were given to the town in perpetuity. Martha was the masterful hostess of Greensleeves, frequently providing dinners, entertainment, and lodging for friends, business associates, younger and teenage children alike. She loved to sing and play the organ at holiday gatherings, and to sing "Evita" at the Roger Sherman Inn. Martha had an annual celebration of Kentucky Derby Day, and accumulated a large hat collection for each occasion. She cherished her Massachusets Derby ancestry from the famous Ship captains of Salem, who opened trade with China after the American Revolution, to Andrew Derby of Acton who fought at Concord and Lexington. She enjoyed her new DAR membership in recent years and liked to ride in their open convertible at Memorial Day parades, also wearing those hats! After Martha's husband, Fenelon died in 1983, as retired Senior Vice President and Director of Lily Tulip Corporation, Martha parted with their 403 West Road House, lived for 16 years on Heritage Hill, and for the last three years at the New Canaan Inn, which was a wonderful,caring, and final home for her. At the Inn she could practice her love of singing, and continue her painting classes at Waveny Senior Center. She re-engaged with old friends there with similar tenures in New Canaan. Her creativity flourished during this period, as illustrated by her current exhibit of paintings at New Canaan Inn. Martha’ spirtual life brought her great fulfillment through her membership at St. Marks Episcopal Church, and her involvement with the St. Francis Fellowship. She was able to keep her personal and medical appointments with the help of Staying Put In New Canaan and the Red Cross. Martha had no greater joy in life than the visits with her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren over four decades, in Connecticut, Texas, Montana, Tennessee, and Vermont. She was known to all as "Grand Martha" or "Martha Claus" for her enduring generosity. She is survived by her four children, Helen Douglass and her husband Donald, Paul Doscher, and his wife Margo, Jean Purviance and her husband David, and John Doscher and his wife Madeline; her grandchildren Scott Dunlap, and his wife Mia, Kimberly Dunlap, Eric Lilienthal, and his wife Amy Gladwyn, Mark Lilienthal, and his wife Pippa Gage, Kate Kahan, and her partner Jen Kern, Patrick Kahan, Uriah Kahan, Taryn Allen and her husband Donald, Danielle Doscher; her great- grandchildren,Samuel Dunlap, Emma Lilienthal, Ava Lilienthal, Elliot Richter, and Luke Lilienthal. Memorial services will be held on Friday, April 27, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Mark's Episcopal Church, 111 Oenoke Ridge, New Canaan. Martha Doscher was laid to rest with her husband Fenelon at Lakeview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the Martha. D. Doscher Music Endowment in care of St. Marks Episcopal Church, 111 Oenoke Ridge, New Canaan CT 06840. For directions or online condolences, visit: www.hoytfuneralhome.com The Hoyt Funeral Home 199 Main Street, New Canaan 203 966 0700 has charge of arrangements. Friday April 27, 2012 , 11:00AM at St. Mark's Church Click for Map and Directions