Martha (Blasch) Glasbrener

Martha (Blasch) Glasbrener

Martha (Blasch) Glasbrener, 90, of Albany, passed away in the presence of her loving family on September 28, 2025.

Born on February 22, 1935, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Martha came to Albany in 1958 to assist a family member with a move — a trip that proved serendipitous, as she met the love of her life at a dance, William (Bill) Glasbrener. They married on October 17, 1959 and built a life together in the Albany area until his passing in 2005. After two decades apart, Martha and Bill have finally reunited—and without a doubt, dancing together once again.

Martha devoted herself first to raising her children and later enjoyed a 17-year career with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. Outgoing and quick to make friends, she had a warm spirit that drew people to her. A woman of many talents, she was a gifted seamstress, a creative spirit who delighted in crafts, and a gardener whose flowers were the envy of the neighborhood. In retirement, Martha and Bill enjoyed watching their grandchildren, entertaining friends by their pool, traveling and creating precious memories together. After his passing, she remained active in her community through the Colonie Seniors Silver Streakers, serving as Treasurer for many years, and she valued the friendships of her Red Hat ladies and her beloved cousin Edrie.

Above all else, Martha cherished time with her grandchildren. She was an especially devoted grandmother, generous to a fault, and her love and pride in her family knew no bounds. She also found joy in jigsaw “puzzling” and playing games — especially Bridge, Mahjong and Rummikub — and rarely missed the New York Times daily puzzles. In 2024, she moved to Indian Lake to be closer to family, where she enjoyed a new circle of friends and loving support.

Martha was predeceased by her beloved husband, Bill; her parents, Earl Blasch and Loretta Kessen Blasch; her brothers, Earl, Robert, and Paul Blasch; and her sisters, Rosemary Boehm, Loretta Berning, and Dorothy Roll.  She is survived by her children, Deborah Marriott (Robert), Michael Glasbrener, and James Glasbrener (Karen); her cherished grandchildren, Rob, Cory, Ryan, Megan, Becca, Ben, Nico, Will, and Dillon; her great-grandchildren, Devin, Kaleb, Cambrie, and Isaac; and many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff and aides at Elderwood of North Creek, who took such special care of Martha over this past year.

A funeral service will take place Thursday October 16 at 2:00pm at Miller Funeral Home, 6357 State Route 30, Indian Lake. An interment ceremony will take place at Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Colonie on October 17 at 2:00pm.

In honor of Martha’s memory and generosity, in lieu of flowers, the family requests that you give the gift of your time to an elderly relative or neighbor, because life is precious and time is always shorter than it seems.

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