MARTHA McMANUS KAPPEL
Martha McManus Kappel, 89, daughter of Joseph and Margaret Dunn McManus, passed away peacefully from heart failure on July 11, 2012 in Stuart, FL. Martha spent her earliest years in Ticonderoga, NY and then moved to suburban Boston where she attended the Burr School in Auburndale and graduated from Newton High in Newton. Due to the war she went immediately to work. Through hard work and discipline she ultimately became Director of Shipper Relations for the Association of American Railroads in Washington DC. She was the only woman, and one of approximately 70 men who applied for this position. When offered it, to their astonishment, she said she needed to think about it and would get back with them the following Monday, which she did. Martha was on twelve boards during this time and was well known throughout the industry as she worked with shippers all over the country. She retired in 1990 at the age of 67. It was in January 1976 she married the love of her life, Herman P. Kappel, and tragically he died of a sudden heart attack only five months later. In retirement Martha was an avid golfer, loved playing cards, particularly bridge, traveling and entertaining family and friends at her homes in Boca Raton, FL and Dennisport, MA on Cape Cod. Her quick wit remained with her for her entire life. Martha was predeceased by, in addition to her parents and her husband, her sister, Mary Louise Kaufman. She leaves to cherish her memory her loving brother, John L. McManus of Green Tree, PA, nieces Gretchen Liuzzi and her husband Don of Jenkintown, PA and Marilyn Bevington of Los Angeles, CA, nephew Mike McManus and his wife Tuanne of San Diego, CA, grand nieces Ana and Cara Liuzzi of Jenkintown, PA, grand niece and godchild Kelly Sanders of New York City, NY, second cousin Jim Farrell and his wife Edmea of Delray Beach, FL, second cousin and her care managers Chris Farrell and his wife Kate of Stuart, FL in addition to many loving friends. A Catholic mass will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 17 at The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Washington DC. A short service at the grave will follow directly afterward at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Silver Spring, MD. In lieu of flowers, Martha would appreciate donations in her honor be made to either The American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.
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