Obituary: Martha Jeppesen Meyer, Of Redding: Music Minister

Information and Photo Courtesy Susan Meyer

REDDING, CT — Martha Jeppesen Meyer of Redding, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, musician, artist, and creative spirit, peacefully departed this world on February 27, 2022. She leaves behind hundreds of heartbroken friends and family members whose lives were enriched and touched by her music, talent, and kindness.

Martha was born on April 24, 1940 in Brunswick, Maine. She was the daughter of the late Myron Jeppesen, a Professor of Physics at Bowdoin College, and the late Madeleine (Caron) Jeppesen, a homemaker. Martha’s passion for art and music started at an early age and remained strong throughout her life. At age 4, she began piano lessons that continued throughout her high school and college years, and for years following her graduation from Smith College with a B.A. in English and minor in Music and Philosophy. Her music studies were wide-ranging, encompassing classical music, organ, and jazz. Martha was also an incredibly talented visual artist. Her artwork was exhibited multiple years at the Mark Twain Library Juried Art Show and at the Smith College Art Museum. Family and friends treasure her original hand-made birthday cards, and beautiful drawings and paintings.

For the past 15 years, Martha was the Music Minister at Christ Church Parish in Redding, where she played the piano and organ, directed the Chancel Choir, and led the Jazz Vespers program, for which she recruited the area’s most talented musicians to perform. She found great fulfillment in her work at Christ Church as she loved the ability to program a wide variety of music, collaborate closely with the Rector and talented choir members, and be a part of such a caring community.

Prior to Christ Church, she was the Music Director for the Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Bridgeport for 15 years, where she started a jazz ensemble that played special events. Over the past 30 years, Martha also taught private piano lessons. Earlier in her music career, Martha was the Music Director for both Sacred Heart University’s and Downtown Cabaret Theater’s children’s theater in Bridgeport, where a couple of her original musicals were performed. She also held many solo piano playing jobs at country clubs, restaurants, and private functions over the years.

Throughout her life, Martha lent her voice and devoted her time and talents to causes related to equality, social justice, and helping those in need. In her younger years, she marched for civil rights and was part of the League of Women Voters and the National Organization for Women (NOW). More recently, she volunteered for Danbury Area Refugee Assistance (DARA), serving as a mentor and English tutor to Syrian refugees and supporting the organization’s efforts in various ways.

Martha had a lifelong romance with music, art, literature, and intellectual pursuits. She continuously strived to expand and nourish her mind and soul, whether it was through workshops at the Omega Institute or Vermont Jazz Center, music conferences, art classes, dance classes, participation in the local Current Events Discussion Group, trips to New York City to visit museums and hear live jazz, or trips to California and France. She was an avid reader and was herself, a masterful writer. In everything that Martha did across her work, her hobbies, and her time with friends and family, she did with joy and style – nothing created by Martha’s hand was ordinary.

Martha is survived by her children Susan E. Meyer of Simsbury, CT, Darah (Andrew) Campagne of Williston, VT, Sheila (Andrew) Dailey of Mill Valley, CA, Devin Meyer of Somerville, MA, grandchildren Sophia Barton and Noah Dailey, sisters Mary Hepburn, Jill Newton, and Laura Jeppesen, brother-in-law Daniel Stepner, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 9, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at Christ Church Parish, 184 Cross Highway, Redding, CT 06896. Danbury Memorial Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. To send the family condolences or light a candle please visit www.Danburymemorial.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Christ Church Parish Music Program, https://www.christchurchreddin... Mailing address: P.O. Box 54, Redding Ridge, CT 06876.