Meet Martha

Martha Maher-Garcia was a loving mother, wife, sister, daughter, friend, leader in the workplace and Rochester community, and a warrior in her seven-year battle with cancer.  Her compassion, strength, perseverance, and everlasting optimism were qualities that those close to her revered.  Martha’s greatest joy in life was spending time with her loved ones. 

Providing a better future for her family was of the utmost importance to Martha. For Martha, the foundation of this future was pursuing higher education.  In 1997, after taking a leave of absence from the workforce to raise her children, Martha enrolled in Roberts Wesleyan College, in Rochester, New York, where she worked to earn her bachelor’s degree in order to provide a better future for her young sons.  Martha simultaneously was hired as an Administrative Assistant at Ogden Parks and Recreation, where she worked full-time while attending school.

Martha’s work ethic was quickly recognized and, in less than two years, she was promoted to Administrative Director.  Martha continued to pursue her studies with dedication and enthusiasm.  Martha’s sons remember Martha waking up before dawn each morning to complete her coursework for the next day so she could be sure she could make her sons’ various sporting events after school.  In 2000, Martha completed her bachelor’s degree from Robert's Wesleyan, graduating with a distinction.  Shortly thereafter, in 2001, Martha was again promoted, this time to Assistant Director of Finance for the Town of Ogden. 

The following year, in 2002, Martha joined Monroe Community College, where she would spend the next 14 years and the remainder of her career.  Martha was initially hired as a Financial Specialist in the Office of the Comptroller and was eventually promoted to Director of Human Resources.  While at MCC, Martha decided to continue her education by pursuing a Master of Public Administration (MPA) at SUNY Brockport.  In 2005, Martha graduated with her MPA, earning a 3.98 GPA and finishing at the top of her class.  In her role as Director of Human Resources at MCC, Martha was revered and cherished by colleagues for not only her leadership, but also for her kindness, compassion, and selflessness. 

Please support our mission and Martha’s legacy by supporting the Martha Maher-Garcia Memorial Foundation through donations, volunteering, or becoming involved in our events.

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