Martha Ann Fasching

Martha Ann Malone Fasching passed away peacefully on September 1, 2025, in Palo Alto, CA, at the age of 86. Born in Topeka, KS, on March 4, 1939, Martha’s life was defined by creativity, curiosity and a fierce commitment to those she loved.

She met the love of her life, Paul, as a high school freshman at a homecoming float building party. When he offered her his coat, a lifelong partnership was set in motion. Martha went on to attend Loretto Heights College in Denver, and she and Paul married on August 25, 1962, in Topeka. Their first daughter, Clare, was born exactly a year later; the young family soon moved to Denver, where Paul studied at the University of Denver and Martha was a homemaker.

When the girls were a little older, Martha returned to teaching. She spent most of her career in underprivileged school districts in Denver, Pasadena and Altadena, teaching everything from Kindergarten to high school English. She finished her career in kindergarten, pouring endless patience and gentleness into the smallest students. Each morning, she would invite her class to recite, “I am lovable, capable, special and unique… and so are you,” planting the seeds of confidence and empathy in every child. She believed every child deserved a champion and always worked to be that person.

In her spare time, Martha created beauty with her hands. She was a prolific artist who knit, crocheted and stitched with joy. She was also an accomplished potter; her home is filled with bowls, vases and mugs formed by her own hands at the wheel. Friends remember her as whimsical and kind; a woman who marched to her own drummer. Paul affectionately called her a “tilter of windmills,” a playful reference to her stubborn, idealistic streak. Martha channeled that spirit into advocating for women’s rights and cheering on her three daughters with pride.

Martha is survived by her three daughters, Clare, Audrey and Kirsten and their families; and a wide circle of friends, former students and colleagues whose lives she touched. She was preceded in death by her husband Paul, brother Jim, sister Therese, and parents.

A memorial service will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, in Atwood, KS on May 22, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. followed by burial in St. Patrick Cemetery, Gem, KS. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Barbara Bush Fund for Family Literacy at https://bush41.org/literacy in her memory.

Martha’s family is grateful for the love and support they have received. Please join them in celebrating her life, creativity and the kindness that she shared with the world.