Martha Elizabeth Cord, beloved mother, sister, and aunt, passed away peacefully after a brief stay at Wilmington Hospital Accent Care on Saturday, Jan. 25. Born on April 15, 1948, in Salisbury, Martha spent her life dedicated to both her family and her career in healthcare. She was a daughter of the late Harold Eugene Malone and Elizabeth Wheeler Malone.
Martha worked at White and Leonards before she embarked on her healthcare career. A proud radiologist for over 20 years at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital in Seaford, Martha was known for her commitment to patient care and the deep compassion she extended to those around her. Several years ago she was diagnosed with Lupus which forced her into an early retirement. Since then, her son Ryan has been courageously caring for her at home. Her passion for helping others extended beyond her professional life, as she also dedicated many years volunteering at the Good Samaritan Shop in Laurel.
Martha was a loyal and devoted fan of the Baltimore Orioles, finding great joy in cheering for her team. In her spare time, she cherished tending to her flower garden, which reflected her nurturing spirit and love for nature.
Martha is survived by her son, Ryan Rhodes; her sister, Ruth Ann Hurley; and nieces and nephews, Patricia Robertson, Steven Hurley, Tammy Senn, Terri Collins, Janet Rhodes, Carol Porter, Donna Jean Insley, Brian Foskey, Andrea Redden, Kevin Malone, Dale Rhodes, Andy Rhodes and Dawn Greenwalt. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Clifton Glen Malone; a sister, Margaret Rose Foskey; nephew, Charlie Robertson and a brother-in-law, Cedric Hurley, Jr.
A graveside funeral service will be held to honor Martha’s life on Saturday, Feb. 1 at 11 a.m. at Springhill Memory Gardens in Hebron. Pastor Paul James will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in Martha’s memory, continuing her passion for helping others.
Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home of Delmar. Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.