Martha Jane (Hughes) Daichendt

Martha “Mart” Daichendt passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 11th, 2024, at 8:00 p.m. She was surrounded by a family who loved her for being their foundation of love, strength, and kindness throughout her life. Her wonderful spirit touched everyone she met.

Not only was Mart a mother of 3 children, but a guiding light who navigated her family and friends through life’s challenges with grace and unwavering support.

Born and raised in McDonald, Ohio, Mart was an athlete and cheerleader in high school. She participated in the school’s synchronized swim team, was featured as the solo performer in multiple shows, and participated in basketball as well. Her basketball and swimming coach, Miss Marion, told her after a challenging basketball game for 5’ 4” tall Martha, “Mart, you are a wonderful swimmer.”

After moving to Austintown with her husband Albert to raise their children, Mart left a lasting impact on her community, even though few know it was her that did it.  During the 1970’s western Burkey Rd was plagued by continual flooding after storms, often backing up the sewers into neighborhood basements. Mart, along with a neighbor (Jean Warner) knew there must be an explanation. They went to the county engineer’s office, determined that during the construction of Fitch High School and the apartments/townhouses above Burkey Rd, the builder/township/county neglected to tie the storm sewers to a drainage path and they ended at the intersection of Burkey Rd and Nantucket Dr.  She called out township and county officials at public meetings, single-handedly caused them to complete that drainage path and eliminated the flooding in that neighborhood. This example and others taught her children that one person can make a difference, as she often did.

Martha leaves behind her son and daughter-in-law David and Jeanne, and their children David Michael and Matthew Connor, her daughters Linda and Cheryl and  Cheryl’s children Nico and Spiros, her brother Merritt (Nancy) Hughes and her four-legged Maltese companion, Maxwell. She is pre-deceased by her mother and father, Hazel and Ralph Hughes, her Sisters Blanche (Bob) Chismark, Marie “Sissy” (Harold) Clark, her brothers Ralph “Pheb” (Mitzi) Hughes, William “Pete” Hughes, Don (Carolyn) Hughes, and many nieces and nephews.

Her legacy is one of strength, compassion, generosity, and an unyielding love for her family and friends. Those who had the privilege of knowing her will forever cherish Mart's memory. She leaves behind a family who will continue to honor her by living with the same kindness and strength she exemplified daily.

Fly high and shine bright, Mart. Rest in peace until we meet again.

As a rescue parent of multiple dogs, those wishing to honor Martha are encouraged to donate to Angels for Animals in her name.

Arrangements by Cremation & Funeral Service by Gary S. Silvat, Inc., 3896 Oakwood Avenue, Austintown  OH  44515. Share memories, send condolences, or donate by visiting cremateohio.com.

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