On Monday January 7th, 2019 Martha Dervish left this mortal plane from her home in Lake Mary, Florida at the age of 79.

Martha Chance Dervish was born May 11, 1939 in Augusta, Georgia to parents Henry T and Martha (Mooneyhan) Chance. Martha (called Boo by childhood friends and family) grew up in Augusta, Georgia and North Augusta, South Carolina. This explains her love of condiments such as chow-chows and pickle relishes and why so many of us received pecans as gifts from her over the years. Daughter of a devoted mother who was a registered nurse known to care for the less fortunate in her community and a father who was a bright, big-hearted, animal-loving lawyer, Martha was a combination of both— a kind and generous nurturer, with a keen sense of what is just, whose humor and intellect guided her through life. Her sharp wit and knack for storytelling meant she kept all of us entertained. In fact, she coached us to do the same, asking, when we had news to share, that we would, "Tell it like a story!"

Martha was a woman of many talents. She kept her roses and orchids thriving, managed her many investments shrewdly and was able to recommend 3-5 natural remedies for whatever ailments friends and family members suffered, reminding us that her initials were MD, after all. She was strong, determined, and hilarious which made for a great wife, mother and friend. Martha was proud of her children and their accomplishments. She loved being a mother and imparted many valuable lessons, often reminding her children that virtue is its own reward. Other lessons included: it's ok to have four different open mustards in the refrigerator, and wash your hands and don't touch your face— that's how germs are spread!

She is survived by her husband Turgut Dervish, daughters Emel Partridge (Philip) and Alev Dervish (Brian Rhinehart), daughter-in-law Amy Krause, and grandchildren Beck, Milo, Emily, Kristen and Kendall. She was preceded in death by parents Henry T and Martha M Chance, brother Kenneth Roberts Chance and her amazing son Marcus Krause.

A celebration of Martha's life in planned for the spring, with details forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Martha's memory may choose to make a donation to the League of Women Voters: lwvseminole.org.