Martha Ackerman Obituary

Martha C. Ackerman

Sep 11, 1940 - Oct 5, 2024

New London

Martha C. (Roeder) Ackerman, 84, of New London, entered into heavenly rest Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. She was at home, where she wanted to be, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born Sept. 11, 1940, in New London, to Norbert and Mary (Pheiffer) Roeder. The oldest of 13 children, she grew up in New London, often assisting her parents with the care of her siblings. Martha graduated from New London High School in 1958.

After high school, she continued her pursuit of a nursing career by earning a diploma from St. Vincent Charity Nursing School. She was a nurse at the former New London Hospital. Martha and her husband, Robert Ackerman, identified a need in the community and opened Martha's Nursing Home. After her time at the nursing home, the remainder of her nursing career was spent at Fisher-Titus Medical Center in Norwalk.

Martha was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in New London. She had a radiant love for the Lord and for helping others in her church and beloved New London community. Over the years, Martha filled too many roles at the church to list, but among them were Altar Rosary Society. She offered Communion to shut-ins, was a Prayer Chain Leader, organizer of church luncheons, etc. Martha never knew a stranger and was always looking for opportunities to assist others in need. She was devoted to her family and was a loving wife, mother, "Grammy," and "Aunt Martha." She enjoyed traveling and following the athletic and scholastic events of her family, traveling all over the state of Ohio to offer her support. Martha loved to have the prettiest flowers in town and she enjoyed taking her grandchildren on vacations.

She is survived by her daughters, Donna Alt of New London and Beth (Tony) Schaffeld of Medina; son, John (Cindy) Ackerman of Cincinnati; siblings, Tom (Nancy) Roeder, John Roeder, Joyce Dillinger, Marilyn (Mike) Marshall, Becky (Bob) Gainok, Randy Roeder, Mary Jo Roeder, and Mark (Linda) Roeder; grandchildren, Celeste Alt, Zach Alt, Brandon Alt, Ashley Norton, Jason Ackerman, Justin Ackerman, and Mark Schaffeld; four great-grandchildren; several cousins; and was affectionately referred to as "aunt Martha" by many nieces and nephews, and also many in the community… sometimes even to those unrelated to her.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert Ackerman; loving companion of 25 years, Leonard Leach; and siblings, Bernadette, Shirley, Bobby, Jerry, and Joseph (in infancy).

Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, at Eastman Funeral Home, 200 W. Main St., New London. A rosary will be 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. Funeral Mass will be 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church with Father Ron Brickner and Father Kishore Kattana presiding. Burial will follow Mass at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in New London.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church (to the "Organ Fund"), 18 Park Ave., New London, Ohio, 44851.

Eastman Funeral Home, New London, is honored to assist the family with Martha's funeral arrangements and care.

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting the funeral home website www.eastmanfuneralhome.com.