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Follow us on FacebookMay 12th, 2022
Martha Chieffo of Claymont, age 86, beloved wife, mother, and friend, departed this life on May 12.
Originally of Trainer, PA, Martha was the younger daughter of Carl and Catherine Blaier of Germany and Hungary, respectively. She graduated from Eddystone High School in 1954, where “Marty”, as she was known to her friends, was voted Most Popular and even named Miss Trainer. In 1959 she married her high school sweetheart, Tony Chieffo, who was by her side for the next 50 years. Martha was employed as a secretary at Houdry Process Corp. in Linwood from 1954 to 1966 and, after the birth of her daughter Lisa, decided that life at home with her family was more fun than an office job.
If Martha had pursued a further career, she would likely have been an interior designer. She always had an eye for style and continuously redecorated her lovely home even well into her 80’s. Likewise her prominent sense of personal fashion regularly elicited complements from friends and strangers alike. Nevertheless she wasn’t afraid of getting her hands dirty to keep her yard immaculate, down to the last stray leaf.
Martha was a lover of animals, particularly dogs, and enjoyed daily walks around her neighborhood with her faithful poodle Louie. Prior to Tony’s passing in 2010, and even afterwards, she traveled both internationally and within the U.S. Twice she was blessed to visit her father’s home town and family in Germany.
Martha is survived by her daughter Lisa Chieffo and son-in-law Joachim Piprek, son Anthony, and Louie. She is also survived by her sister, Catherine Wray, and nephews John and Steven Wray and their spouses.
The family extends sincere thanks to the caring staff of Churchman’s Village and Compassionate Care for making Martha’s final days more comfortable.
Family and friends are invited to visit at Ward Funeral Home, 1459 Market St., Linwood, on Friday, May 20, from 7 PM to 8:30 PM and on Saturday, May 21, from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM (jwardfuneralhome.com), with burial to follow at Lawn Croft Cemetery in Linwood.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Martha’s memory may be sent to Anthony’s group home provider, Chimes of Delaware (chimes.org, 514 Interchange Blvd., Newark DE 19711), or to Faithful Friends of Delaware, where she found her dear Louie (faithfulfriends.us, 12 Germay Dr., Wilmington DE 19804).
Martha was a delightful participant at the monthly widows’ dinner I held prior to selling my home in 2016. I am stunned, I extend my condolences to her family, she will be missed. It was my poodle (Bailey) that she loved so much that she got Louie.
Martha treasured him, and Louie treasured her. Louie also attended the dinners with her.
Rest in peace my friend.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Chris, and for welcoming my mom into your group after my father passed away. Louie was with her until the end and is now living with us, having adjusted well I think.
My wife and I had the enjoyment of taking care of Martha’s eyeglass needs for many years. She would come into the store to have her eyeglasses taken care of but we think even more she stopped in to visit our Golden Retriever, Fletcher. It was always good to see her and talk with her. Her kindness and beautiful smile will never be forgotten. Paul and Debbie Sherwood
Thank you for sharing this lovely memory, Paul and Debbie. I do remember my mom mentioning Fletcher. She was always a dog lover and knew the names of more dogs in her neighborhood than the people!
Dear Lisa and Anthony,
Your Mom touched all our hearts with her beautiful smile, compassionate heart and gentle spirit that blessed all of us with her faithful and unconditional love. Mom and Dad were truly soulmates and their personal relationship with Jesus enabled them to care for Anthony and Lisa as precious children of God.
We were all truly blessed by their reverence for God, respect for all and willingness to treat all as family. Will remember all our family in my prayers and masses. Love, Father Ralph
I’ve had the privilege to know Mrs. Chieffo for more than 12 years. She always had a kind and generous heart. Her smile and laugh were contagious and she always had a way to make everyone feel good. Mrs. Chieffo will be greatly missed.
Thank you for your kind words, Jaime, and for keeping my mom’s yard looking nice over the years. She was always very proud of how her house looked and got lots of compliments on the landscaping, thanks in part to your hard work.
I am so sorry to hear of Martha’s passing. So many great memories on Sundays at Grandmom Chieffo’s. Martha always had such a beautiful smile and her face lit up when she smiled.
May the beautiful memories you have help heal this most difficult time.
Thank you for your kind words, Leslie. Hope you are well.