Martha McKown Spofford passed away peacefully in her home at StoneRidge in Mystic, CT on March 19, 2026.
Martha was educated at Rippowam Cisqua School in Bedford, NY, Miss Porter’s School in Farmington, CT, and Bennett College in Millbrook, NY. She shared her warmth and enthusiasm with young children through her work at the Hi Ho Nursery School in Bedford.
A dedicated and active member of The Rusticus Garden Club for more than 50 years, Martha served as President from 1984 to 1986, and again from 2004 to 2006. She was awarded Judge Emeritus by the Garden Club of America for her contributions at many regional flower shows. She brought energy, leadership, and a genuine love of flowers to all her endeavors. In 2024, Rusticus established the Martha Spofford Leadership Award, paying tribute to her contributions and dedication.
Martha’s life was enriched by her connections to the communities of Bedford, NY; Fishers Island, NY; Ridgefield, CT; and, most recently, StoneRidge in Mystic, CT, where she continued to build friendships and remain engaged. She was a long-standing member of St. Matthew’s Church in Bedford and St. John’s Church on Fishers Island.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 68 years, Nick Spofford; her four children, Alexandra Johnston (Tim), Holly Bell, Charles Spofford (Sherin), and Jennifer Sanger (Penn); her nine cherished grandchildren Elliot Johnston (Alice), Alison Frascotti (Tony), Leyton Johnston, Pendleton Bell, Charles Bell, Walker Bell, Knowles Spofford, Hetherington Spofford, and Maisie Spofford; and two great-grandchildren Genevieve and Emmeline. Martha was predeceased by her parents, Frank and Helen McKown, and brother Sandy McKown. She is survived by her twin brothers, David and Alex McKown.
Martha found great joy in life’s pleasures and traditions. She was an avid bridge player, a devoted teacher of Fan Tan to her grandchildren, and enjoyed golf, gardening, and sailing at Fishers Island. She will be fondly remembered for her delicious HOG casserole, lace cookies, and lemon squares, which brought family and friends together around the table.
Martha will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, and deep love of family and friends. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched and the traditions she passed down. She will be dearly missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church on Fishers Island, NY, at 11:15am on Thursday, July 16, 2026.
To honor Martha, please consider a donation to The Henry L. Ferguson Museum on Fishers Island.
