Martha Shade (née Templeton), passed away peacefully on July 2, 2026, at the age of 89.  She was born on December 16, 1936, in Knoxville, TN, daughter of the late Robert R. Templeton and Agnes Richardson Templeton.

Martha had an adventurous spirit and as a young woman worked for TWA during its heyday as a flight attendant on the Constellation class airliners.  She later married her high school sweetheart, Phil, and started a family.   When he entered the air force in the 1960’s, Martha became a military wife calling many places home, including Okinawa, as she moved from base to base while raising her three children.  She continued to enjoy traveling throughout her life taking many trips with her family and tagging along with her husband on his trips as an airline pilot.   Martha had several jobs over the years, but she especially loved her work as a travel agent, as well as the almost 20 years spent with the Building and Health Department in the Town of Washington, CT.  

A long time resident of Brookfield, CT, Martha appreciated antiques and her historic home near the center of town was filled with them.  She adored all dogs but had a special place in her heart for Westies.  She always enjoyed planting flowers and feeding and watching the birds, one of which would often come and eat out of her hand.  She will be remembered as a sweet person and for her kindness toward all people.

Martha was predeceased by her husband, Philip D. Shade, in 1997.   She is also predeceased by her sister, Dorothy Jean Templeton Chase and her brothers Robert R. Templeton, Milburn B. Templeton, and Jay R. Templeton.  She is survived by her children Philip R. Shade of DeLand, FL, Virginia Lynn Aylward (Roger) of Bridgewater, CT, Steven M. Shade (Christine) of Lakeland, FL, and her granddaughter Samantha Shade of Sarasota, FL along with many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, July 15, 2026, at 10 AM at The State Veterans Cemetery, 317 Bow Ln., Middletown, CT 06457.  The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to The Lutheran Home of Southbury for the wonderful care and kindness shown to their mother. To share memories or send condolences, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.