GROTON -- Martha J. Alexander, 72, of Groton, died peacefully at home, Monday morning, May 16, 2005, after an extended illness. She was surrounded by her loving family.

Martha was born Dec. 14, 1932, in Auburn, to Pearle Wood and Willard Lorenzo Chamberlain, who predeceased her in 1980 and 1982 respectively.

She is survived by her husband of 29 years, Alton I. Alexander; her brothers, Gerald (Elizabeth) Chamberlain and W. Eugene (Joyce) Chamberlain, both of Scipio; her five children, Christine Snyder of Preble, Michael (Patty) Shields of Brewerton, Gregory (Diane) Shields of Dedham, Mass., Lorraine Conger of Groton, and Theresa (Brian) Farrell of Groton; her five stepchildren, Dan Alexander, Ellen (Dan) Jensen and Kandi (Victor) Lara, all of Spring Creek, Nev., Crystal Barrett of Mt. Dora, Fla., and Andrew (Melissa) Alexander of Longview, Wash.; 11 grandchildren, 14 step-grandchildren, 12 stepgreat-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Martha graduated from Sherwood Central School in 1950. She married Gerald Shields in 1952 and moved to Groton where she lived all the rest of her life. She worked for 30 years at Baker-Miller Lumber as secretary, bookkeeper, office manager and public relations liaison. She retired from there in 1991. Martha married Alton Alexander in 1975, and they raised the rest of their families and started the "Tinkering A Bed and Breakfast." The B&B brought them great joy, for when they could not be out traveling themselves, they invited diverse and interesting people from all over the world to join them in their beautiful home.

Martha's passions were always her family, music, gardening and travel. She was active in the Seven Valley Chorus of Sweet Adelines for 30 years and she dearly loved the music and the wonderful friends she made there. She also was active in the Groton Business Association and the Groton Beautification Committee and several other organizations.

Martha will be remembered as a loving wife and mother, doting grandmother, savvy businesswomen, trusted friend and confidant. She always had sage advice and never an unkind word for anyone. She will be sadly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Thursday, at the Shurtleff Funeral Home, 103 Lincoln Ave., Groton. Calling hours will be from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today, May 18, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions should be directed to either the Groton Ambulance Fund or Hospicare of Tompkins County.