Martha Worthington Dugan, the fourth of eight children of Pierre Chatard and Sally Merryman Dugan,died on March 4, 2026, of liver cancer in Miami Florida at the age of 81. Martha, or Mauffie as she was known by her siblings, was born in Baltimore, Maryland on June 16, 1944, just 10 days after D Day. She grew up on a farm in Long Green, enjoying horseback riding, tennis, synchronized swimming, and field hockey. She excelled in sports and academics, mastering advanced levels of math and physics as well as speed reading. In her high school production of "Arsenic and Old Lace," Martha played the eccentric uncle who thought he was Teddy Roosevelt. She stole the show by blowing her trumpet, waving her sword and Stetson hat, while yelling "Charge!" as she ran onto the stage and into the aisles of the auditorium to uproarious applause.

Graduating at the top of her class from Notre Dame secondary school in Baltimore, Martha received a full scholarship to the University of Maryland School of Nursing. After a brief stint in college, she lived a life of adventure in Florida, where she enjoyed deep-sea diving, sailing and a variety of careers, including real estate and radiology. She traveled with her first husband to Japan and Belize, supporting themselves by fishing and sponge diving. Her hobbies included astrology and graphology, where she could expound on people's personalities by examining their palms, analyzing their handwriting, or looking up their astrological chart. She had a knack for music as well, playing handbells perfectly on her first try at a Christmas service with her sister in Lenox, MA. Her vivid spirituality led her to explore Hinduism and Buddhism, while maintaining her Roman Catholic roots and devotion to the Blessed Mother.

After her two marriages ended in divorce, Martha spent the majority of her adult years with a long-time companion in Coconut Grove, Florida. She is survived by 4 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 sisters and 3 brothers, 14 nieces and nephews, and dozens of cousins. She is predeceased by her parents, her son Peter, and her sister Sally. Her honesty, humility, intellect and generous spirit will be greatly missed.

Donations in her memory may be directed to Accent Care Hospice or the Golden Glade Nursing Home, both in Miami Florida.

A memorial service is planned for June 20, 2026 at St John The Evangelist Catholic Church in Hydes, Maryland. Please contact the church at 410 592 6206 for more details or duganpierre@gmail.com.