Martha S. Hearron

HEARRON, Martha S. Passed away November 29, 2014 at age 71. Martha was born April 4, 1943 in Highland Park, IL to the late Roy and Emma Kedney Sommerfeld. She was united in marriage to Arthur Hearron who preceded her in death in April of 2005. Martha received her Bachelor of Science degree and her Master in Public Health degree from the University of Michigan. She was a member of Kalamazoo First United Methodist Church. Following graduation, she spent 32 years working as a biostatistician for The Upjohn Company. While there she established several precedents including being the first female hired to a professional position, the first female hired into management, and the first female President of the National Association of Biostatisticians. During her retirement she remained extremely active, devoting her time to several causes close to her heart - including the University of Michigan School of Music, Theater and Dance and the Western Michigan University Theater Department and Planned Parenthood of Kalamazoo. Martha is survived by her brothers, R. Thomas Elinore Sommerfeld of Boulder Junction, WI and W. Peter Sommerfeld of Portland, OR; and an aunt, Aina Summerfelt of San Diego. A memorial service will take place Sunday, December 7th at 2:00 pm at the First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo, 212 S. Park St., Kalamazoo. Rev. Steve Charnley will officiate the service. Arrangements by the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St. Memorials may be directed to the University of Michigan or Western Michigan University for the benefit of the Arthur and Martha Hearron Scholarship in Music Theater at either institution.