Martha R. Zell, 67, of Edgewater

»Information from the George P. Kalas Funeral Home website.

Martha R. Zell, 67, a 45-year resident of Edgewater, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 24, at the Mandrin Inpatient Care Center surrounded by her family.

Martha was born on November 19, 1947 in Tazwell, VA, to the late Walter and Ruby Nitz. She worked as a clerk for Safeway and Shopper Food in Parole and also did child day care.

Martha was a very loving person who opened her home to family and friends, sometimes becoming a safe port for people during times of hardship. She loved nature, especially bird watching and raising exotic birds. She was an excellent seamstress and enjoyed dancing, music and gardening.

In addition to her parents, Martha was preceded in death by her husband, James E. Zell Sr. She is survived by her son, Paul Zell, and stepdaughters Mariann Eiring of Bowie and Nancy Morrish of Texas, also survived by her twin sister; Jeana Ryder of Edgewater, sisters; Deborah Darling of Edgewater, Ann Chapman of Severn, and Alice Baker of Colmar Manor, brothers; Ed Nitz of Lothian and Ernest Wright of Pasadena. Martha was also survived by 12 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call on Sunday, Sept. 27 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Road in Edgewater, where a funeral service will be held on Monday, Sept. 28, at 11 a.m. Interment will be at Fort Lincoln Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena 21122.