NORWICH – Martha E. Couch, 98, formerly of Hayes Street in Norwich, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009 in Canandaigua.
Born Feb. 6, 1911 in Norwich, Martha was the daughter of Patrick and Emma (Dayton) Rourke. She graduated from Norwich High School in 1929  and then from the Cortland Normal School.  Martha taught kindergarten at St. Paul’s School for many years retiring in 1973.
Martha was a member of St. Paul’s Church and the St. Paul’s Mothers Club in Norwich. She was currently a member of St. Mary’s Church in Canandaigua. Martha was also a member of the Norwich Family YMCA where she was an avid swimmer for many years.  She was a volunteer at Catholic Charities and The Pink Door in Norwich and at The Gleaner’s Kitchen in Canandaigua. 
In 1936, Martha married Daniel W. Couch, who died on December 8, 2000.  She is survived by her children and their spouses, Martha and John Brogan of Mahopac, John Couch of Johnson City and Mary Ellen and Bob Gysel, of Canandaigua; her seven grandchildren and by twelve great grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her daughter, Patricia Jones; brothers George and John Rourke and sisters, Helen Welden, Amata Rourke, Emma Housel, Marion Rourke and Katherine McMillin.
A Mass of Resurrection for Martha will be held at noon Friday at St. Paul’s Church. Friends are invited to call at the Marion Chapel of St. Paul’s on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will follow in St. Paul’s Cemetery.
Contributions in memory of Martha may be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph Retirement Fund, attn: Sr. Patricia Sullivan, 150 French Rd., Rochester, NY  14718 or to the Patricia A. Jones Memorial Fund, 441 10th St. NE, Washington, DC  20002.
The arrangements are under the direction of the Wilson Funeral Home.  Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the funeral home website at:  www.wilsonfh.com.