Obituary of Hortense Martin

Hortense Martin passed away in her home at age 96 on July 9, 2023.

She was born in Stamford, the daughter of Evelyn & Simeon Weissman. She is survived by her son Jim, daughter-in-law Leslie, sister-in-law JoAnn Weissman and nieces Leslie Walden (Steve), Debra Gardner (David) and Verna Siegel (Howard). She was predeceased by her husband John, her parents, her brother Harry Weissman and her sister Muriel Scoler.

After graduating from UConn she spent five years in Venezuela working for Socony-Mobil, teaching children in both English and Spanish. There she fell in love with John, an engineer for the oil company. When the corporation demanded that she stop working because she was married, Hortense continued working independently. Upon John's tragic death she returned to the USA with her infant son, and remained in Stamford for the rest of her life.

Having taught in Stamford public schools for 25 years, she earned a Masters Degree in Educational Media and moved from the classroom to the Media Center. On retiring she volunteered at the Stamford court probation offices, taught English with Literacy Volunteers (and independently), and worked in the library bookstore for Friends of Ferguson.

Whether working or retired, her love of travel with family was a constant; it brought her to all seven continents. That sense of adventure also prompted her to buy a 1990 Nissan 300ZX – five-speed, of course -- which prompted her son to send her to the Skip Barber racing school to learn some advanced car control.

Hortense was a voracious reader and passed many happy hours with her various book clubs. She was also an avid bridge player (who refused to divulge how many Master Points she had). A dedicated swimmer, she was a fixture in the lap lanes at the Roxbury Swim club for many years.

An avid fan of the UConn Huskies women's basketball team, Hortense attended several playoffs and a winning final in Tampa, accompanied by all of the women from her branch of the Weissman family.

In lieu of flowers, donations to fergusonlibrary.org or opinpets.org.