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Martha Cogswell Obituary

Martha Getz Cogswell passed away suddenly but peacefully on November 22, 2011, after a very brief bout with cancer. She was born June 16, 1948, in Davenport, Iowa - the youngest child of the late William A. and Kaye S. Getz. Marty grew up in Moline, Illinois. She attended St. Katharine's School in Davenport, Iowa, before heading to Pine Manor College in Massachusetts and then onto the University of Colorado in Boulder. She graduated in 1970 and remained a Buffs fan for life. Marty moved to Colorado Springs in 1974 and has lived here happily ever since. She is survived by her children and their spouses, Katharine (Michael) Courtney of Saratoga, California; Sara (Michael) Baker of Shawnee, Kansas; and Timothy (McKinzie) Cogswell of Las Vegas, Nevada, and by her beloved grandchildren, Madison and Chayse Courtney, Cohen Baker, Paizley Cogswell, and twin grandsons due this winter. Marty will also be deeply missed by her siblings, Stephanie Sandell, Pamela (Rob) Garton and John Getz; her aunts and an uncle; dozens of lucky cousins, nieces and nephews; many cherished friends, and her good and faithful golden retriever, Bailey. Marty devoted generous energy to causes she cared about, including the Junior League, Penrose Hospital, the YMCA, the Pikes Peak Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the Pikes Peak Library, the Olympic Training Center and, nationally, the Alzheimer's Association. In 2008, Marty retired from Cheyenne Mountain School District 12, where she'd provided years of care and service to Cheyenne students, parents, teachers and administrators from her post at the district and high school administrative offices. An avid athlete, Marty walked vigorously, skied beautifully, and played tennis with disarming strength and grace. Many of those games were played at Cheyenne Mountain Country Club - a home-away-from-home where she made some of her closest friends. Marty spent all the summers of her life on the shores of Lake Michigan. Her days there - with extended family, beach walks, sailboats, lucky glass, sunsets and thunderstorms - were among her happiest. She relished other travel, too - jaunts to visit pretty places and life-long pals and, most especially, to be with her children and grandchildren. They were her highest priority and greatest joy, and she leaves them awash in love and gratitude. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 26 at 5:00pm at Chapel of our Savior, 8 Fourth Street, Colorado Springs, Colorado with a reception following. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Penrose Cancer Center, 2222 North Nevada, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80907 or the Alzheimer's Association, Colorado Chapter, 455 Sherman Street, Suite 500, Denver, Colorado 80203.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on Nov. 24, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Martha Cogswell

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December 23, 2011

I met Marty in the 1970's when as fresh college graduates,we party'ed,skied and generally lived life together in Colorado Springs, Denver, and Vail. I will always remember her as a beautiful lady,warm and friendly, elegant skier, and always the most sane person in a rather rowdy group of people who sometimes did stupid things. I moved to the Midwest in 1978 but Marty was one of the few of my Colorado past who kept in touch and welcomed me to the "Springs" on my few visits back to my youth.
Jeff Patterson
Minneapolis, Minnesota

December 7, 2011

We were devastated to hear of Marty's death. We will miss her warmth, her grace and her charm. Her dazzling smile could light up a room! She was a cherished friend and Michillinda neighbor and our family will miss her always.

The Jim Hoerner Family

Carolyn Shaw, Canon Elementary School

December 5, 2011

What a heartbreaking shock . . . My heart is so sad for all of Marty's friends and acquaintances, but especially for Marty's children and grandchildren. Marty was, indeed, one of the finest women. She was so lovely and friendly. I think she never forgot a face or name! I know it will be easy to keep her wonderful memory fresh with all the stories of her to share with your family always.

December 4, 2011

Marty's spirit and zest for life was amazing! I always enjoyed the way her face would light up when she spoke of her children and grandchildren. Marty will truly be missed! God bless her and her entire family. Sandy Renehan

Krsiten Cogswell Winkler

December 1, 2011

I have so many beautiful memories of Marty....as she really was a beautiful soul! I used to come over to babysit Katy, Sara and Timmy and inevitably Marty welcome me in and then love up her children with kisses, hug the dogs and head off for a brisk game of tennis or a night out looking tanned, smiling ear to ear and smelling of perfume. I have always thought she was the picture of a loving mother and an elegant woman. She will be missed. Godspeed.

Tasha Davis

November 30, 2011

What a lovely lady with a beautiful smile. She will be missed. Her legacy of efforts with the different organizations in Colorado Springs will continue to benefit many.

Julie Curtis Applegate

November 30, 2011

HEARTBREAK!!

I am stunned by the sad, sad, news. Marty was the most beautiful presence. (And usually the tallest). I adored her.

Just weeks ago I received an e-mail from Marty, full of encouragement for my husband, Steve, and me, while Steve is fighting the battle of his life against esophageal cancer. I have been putting one foot in front of the other each day, and there is much hope on the horizon, but this shocking news has rocked my world to its core. I can't get this out of my mind, but I've cried some really great tears.

Our families have been intertwined for generations. Her untimely death is yet another reminder of how blessed I am to have lifelong friendships, and to have shared the Michillinda experience and love.

In the past few years, whenever I'd see Marty walk into the White Lake Yacht Club for Sailor's Lunch, I always felt that all was right with the world. I am pretty sure that Marty and her parents will sit side by side on that bench and eat ice cream cones in Heaven.

Stephanie, Pam, John ~ your grief must be unfathomable. I don't know Marty's kids (but can always pick them out in a crowd!) My heart, my prayers and my condolences go out to you all and the Cogswell/Getz families.

Godspeed

November 30, 2011

The Stoelting/Thorngren Families, representing lots of Moline, IL tennis players, remembers the Getz Family. Our condolences to your Family.
Teresa "Teed" Thorngren Seiler

Michael Collins

November 29, 2011

I go back too many years to the house at 1416 12th Street. I lived next door and spent many hours with you playing as a child. I was bitten by Flaggy and still have the dimple on my cheek.(my own fault) I broke my arm swinging on your swing, and was devastated when you moved away for the friends I lost as such a young age. I later was in many shows in the area in theater but until the mid nineties never was in one with you or your talented family. Then your mother came to playcrafters and I enjoyed talking with her as she had very vague memories of me and my family. I never forgot your great smile and friendship or the trips to visit the sheep. RIP old playmate. Michael

Casey Sheahan

November 28, 2011

What a wonderful person.

Teresa Coronado

November 27, 2011

My love and thoughts to her family--Marty brought joy to many people, and her life will be remembered and celebrated by many. Love, Teresa

November 27, 2011

I have known Marty since childhood...our wonderful days of sailing and swimming at White Lake, and then attending Pine Manor with her. My memories are of her happy and fun-loving spirit, her wonderful smile and her genuine frienship over the years. My love and prayers are with Marty's family...always!
Amy Hunter Esterhay

November 26, 2011

What a gal. I had the privilege to have known Marty from 1978 to the present. We were neighbors until 2001 and then we moved to California. But I saw Marty every summer in Colorado Springs. This was the first summer I didn't get together with her. She never failed to send me a birthday card every year that I can remember. She was a beautiful soul, friend and I loved playing tennis with her. We were on the same tennis team for years. She left behind a wonderful legacy for her children. Marty always made me happy to be around her. So fortunate to have had her in my life. She left us too soon. God Bless her children and precious grandchildren. Love Ya,Marty, Edwina

David Barkley

November 26, 2011

Marty was a vigorous and spirited force in the running of Cheyenne Mountain from the time I started here in 2001. Her energy combined with the Cheyenne Mountain ideals helped keep the school on track as a school of excellence. I will especially miss her as an avid fan who watched and supported the volleyball team. She was so positive towards the players and their achievements. Marty, I dedicate this year's state championship to you. You will be missed, but always remembered.

Nancy Coronado

November 26, 2011

Marty was a gift to my life. She always had a smile and a hug that warmed me all the way through. We will all miss her.

Shelley Malsom

November 26, 2011

Amazing Grace is how I will always remember Marty...She has and always will have a place in my heart~~She was a true inspiration to all who knew her and I will treasure the times we talked, laughed and cried together! Rest in peace my friend.

Susan Schaefer

November 26, 2011

Shocked and so sad. Marty... with the wonderful long lanky body and huge smile. A wonderful friend and a beautiful lady. Taken away way to soon. I know her children and grandchildren were the light of her life. May she be in peace and feel serenity now. I will miss her....

abi wilkins babcock

November 25, 2011

I had the amazing fortune to have Marty as my roommate when we were in junior college in Boston. What greater luck could one have. She and our other roommate Sue and I have stayed close through the years and had a reunion planned just a little over a month & a half ago @ our farm in Vermont. How fortunate we are to have kept in touch. It was shocking enough being right up to the moment. I am blessed to have had her in my life and send deepest sympathies to her family. She was special beyond words. Abi Wilkins Babcock

November 25, 2011

We were so fortunate to have known Marty and to have visited with her frequently this past summer. She will be missed by many friends forever. Sally and Art Hagan

Becky & Billy Getchell

November 25, 2011

When I learned of Marty's illness and that it was incurable and then that she had passed, I was and honestly still am in shock. Marty was the first person I met the day I was hired at Cheyenne Mtn. High School. She became an instant gratification in my life with her smile and never ending positive outlook in life. We had the pleasure of dog sitting for her when she had her Golden, Hootie whom we became to love dearly. When she found Bailey to add to her life, we ended up getting his sister. Marty loved her Golden's but when it came to her kids and grandchildren, she could not get enough of them, no matter the length she had to travel to see them. We will miss you here on this earth Marty but I know that you are smiling at all of those whom you have touched from above and are at perfect peace. Always in our hearts!

Frank A O'Donnell

November 25, 2011

Always a sense of Purpose, Beauty and
Joy in your Life ! Wish we could go back 42 years and live it all over again in Boulder, CO.

I am sad today, I will Miss You !

Dylan and Michelle Walker

November 25, 2011

She was truly a pleasure to have known and Marty's amazing spirit and kindness radiated through out all that surrounded her. She is missed, but I know she will live on in all of those she touched.

November 25, 2011

Dearest Marty,

I have so many memories of growing up with you in Moline. The Getz and Rosborough families. Garfield, John Deere and Moline High. Such wonderful memories that i will never forget. I am so lucky to have ever been your friend.

Jane Rosborough Jackson, Boston, Ma.

Gregory Jackson

November 24, 2011

Everyone from Moline High remembers Marty Getz with great fondness. Before we learned of her sudden death, one classmate said on Facebook, "She was the nicest person I ever met."

Gregory L. Jackson

Sue Armour

November 24, 2011

What a shock. I enjoyed a brief visit with Marty at Michillinda as we watched our grandchildren at the tire swing. She will be missed. My prayers go out to her entire family.
Sue Harper Armour

Kate Milliken

November 24, 2011

What a beautiful life, what a beautiful gift it was to know her. I am so grateful for the beauty, her energy of good will, and the lives she has left amongst us. She is missed.

November 24, 2011

We are just stunned and saddened by the sudden passing of beautiful Mimi/Marty. She will be sorely missed by her family and friends, but especially by her children and grandchildren. God bless. Allan and Nancy Courtney

ingrid Lindfors

November 24, 2011

What a beautiful person Marty was. Gracefully walking on the shores of Lake Michigan to the pier and back I always wanted to stop her and chat. Just this August we had a long talk. She could not stop talking about how wonderful it was that she had just spent quality time with all of her kids and grand children at the family cottage at Michillinda. She was so proud of her family and so peaceful on the beach. I am in shock and saddened. She looked so beautiful and healthy in August. She was Happy and I am grateful we had that nice time together. Prayers go out to the family from her Michigan friends.
Love Ingrid Lindfors

Mike Pennell

November 24, 2011

What a wonderful friend Marty was to us.... Her influence and spirit of happiness will stay with me forever....

TJ Jones

November 24, 2011

What a shock! Even though I had not seen Marty in many years, I remember such a fun, wonderful, and considerate gal. She always made me smile with a big huge grin! I'll never forget that wild wedding week in Moline.
God Bless you, Marty. I know you are in the Lord's embrace … TJ

Grace McKeaney

November 23, 2011

My heart is heavy thinking of this great and sudden loss...But when I remember Marty's smile, the heavens open again... With deep sorrow at her loss ...and deep appreciation for having known her...

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