Obituary for Martha Oppenheimer (Bickel)
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Martha (Bickel) Oppenheimer, of West Suffield, CT on Thursday, October 13, 2022. Martha passed away peacefully in her sleep at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, MA. Born in Springfield, on February 2, 1943, to the late Clarence and Berthola (McCarthy) Bickel, Martha graduated from Agawam High School in 1961. She was the beloved wife of Donald Irving Oppenheimer who predeceased her in 2012.
In addition to her beloved husband and parents, she was predeceased by her siblings Joan McGinn; Dee Hackett and Roy Bickel. Martha is survived by her cherished daughter Donna Oppenheimer of Feeding Hills, MA. Two adored grandchildren, Melissa Rolland of Southwick, MA; Matthew Rolland of Feeding Hills and admired great-grandson Henry Irving Walkwitz of Southwick, MA and a brother-in-law James Hackett of Sanford, Florida along with many nieces and nephews.
Martha spent her time on the family farm raising and breeding Appaloosa and Arabian horses. She enjoyed horseback riding, showing horses with Don and Donna and loved the great outdoors. Martha continued her love of horses while working for many years assisting local veterinarian Peter Conserva. A woman of strong independence, she enjoyed walking on the family farm, backpacking, hiking and her camping trip in Alaska. Martha was an avid participant over the years in the Senior Olympic Games competing in discus, shotput, and long jump. She graduated with her master’s degree in social work from UConn in 1998. She was a lifelong fan of the UConn women’s basketball team and enjoyed watching games with family.
The Funeral Services will be: Saturday, October 22, at 11:00 AM at Heritage Funeral Home, 1240 Mountain Road, West Suffield. Burial will follow in West Suffield Cemetery. Calling hours will be from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM prior to the funeral service. Memorial donations may be made in Martha’s honor to: The Suffield Volunteer Ambulance P.O. Box 642, Suffield, CT 06078 & CHD Cancer House of Hope, 1999 Westfield ST., West Springfield, MA 01089. Please visit: www.SuffieldFuneralHome.com
In addition to her beloved husband and parents, she was predeceased by her siblings Joan McGinn; Dee Hackett and Roy Bickel. Martha is survived by her cherished daughter Donna Oppenheimer of Feeding Hills, MA. Two adored grandchildren, Melissa Rolland of Southwick, MA; Matthew Rolland of Feeding Hills and admired great-grandson Henry Irving Walkwitz of Southwick, MA and a brother-in-law James Hackett of Sanford, Florida along with many nieces and nephews.
Martha spent her time on the family farm raising and breeding Appaloosa and Arabian horses. She enjoyed horseback riding, showing horses with Don and Donna and loved the great outdoors. Martha continued her love of horses while working for many years assisting local veterinarian Peter Conserva. A woman of strong independence, she enjoyed walking on the family farm, backpacking, hiking and her camping trip in Alaska. Martha was an avid participant over the years in the Senior Olympic Games competing in discus, shotput, and long jump. She graduated with her master’s degree in social work from UConn in 1998. She was a lifelong fan of the UConn women’s basketball team and enjoyed watching games with family.
The Funeral Services will be: Saturday, October 22, at 11:00 AM at Heritage Funeral Home, 1240 Mountain Road, West Suffield. Burial will follow in West Suffield Cemetery. Calling hours will be from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM prior to the funeral service. Memorial donations may be made in Martha’s honor to: The Suffield Volunteer Ambulance P.O. Box 642, Suffield, CT 06078 & CHD Cancer House of Hope, 1999 Westfield ST., West Springfield, MA 01089. Please visit: www.SuffieldFuneralHome.com