Martha Jean Colgan

Martha Colgan (née Monson), 79, passed away this week at her home in Binghamton, NY. Martha was born on January 3, 1946 in Deposit, NY to Cynthia and George Monson. Martha attended SUNY New Paltz and earned a degree in art education. She is survived by her three children Sarah (Sommerville, MA), Siobhan (Carrboro, NC) and Matthew Colgan (Greene, NY); as well as four grandchildren Lyla Beifeldt (18, of Spring, TX), Colin Colgan (18, of Greene), Deirdre Colgan (14, of Greene) and Adjoa Colgan (16, of Carrboro, NC); and her beloved dog Bosch. She also survived by her sister Carolyn DeNys (Deposit, NY) and nephew George DeNys (Unadilla NY) and his family; sister in-law Mary Benally (née Colgan) (Albuquerque, NM), and nieces Kathleen (Las Vegas, NM), Meghan (Albuquerque, NM) and Mary (Brooklyn NY) and all their families. Martha was previously married to Kevin Colgan (d. 2001) and later partnered with Steve Stalker (d. 2019). Martha was also loved by many close friends, fellow artists, neighbors, and extended family.

She had a full career as an art teacher in the Binghamton City School District, where she had an impact on many future artists of all levels. She was a founding member of the Cooperative Gallery 213 in downtown Binghamton, and continued to create and show her art, teach, and experiment as an artist over the years. Martha was a longtime member of the Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church and choir. In her youth she studied cello and piano, and continued to enjoy music through playing mandolin, jam groups, and musical performances. She was also a bird lover, avid gardener, astrology buff, and admirer of nature.

Donations on Martha's behalf may be directed to a local arts organization or a group with a mission shared by you and Martha!

Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 23 at 2:00 at Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church (44 Main Street, Binghamton, NY 13905) with light refreshments following.

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