Martha "Midge" Fowler

Martha (Riddell) Fowler (Midge) was born August 16, 1931 in New York City to her parents William Riddell and Christina Davis. She grew up in Schenectady and attended Schenectady schools.

Martha preferred to be called Midge. Her dad started calling her Midge at an early age and from then on everyone referred to her as Midge.

Midge married John Fowler in 1967. John predeceased her in 2013. Together they enjoyed many cookouts and parties in their backyard. They also had a lot of good times at Thompsons Lake with family and friends.

Midge found great pleasure knitting, sewing and cross stitching over the years for her children, grandchildren and extended family. She also enjoyed many years of golfing and bowling plus so many trips to Cape Cod. Many happy times were spent with her late brother Isaac Riddell.

She retired from NYS Department of Health (10 years) and was self employed as a seamstress for many years. Midge was very active with the Ladies of Rotterdam Elks (LORE) for several years. She served a team as President and made many special friends who include Marcia Moody, Dottie Morrison and Ann Polland. She enjoyed being on their golf league and working with the crews in the kitchen serving weddings and many dinners on special holidays.

Predeceased by her loving husband of 46 years, John Fowler, her son David Wasniski, her brother Mark Riddell and her brother Isaac Riddell, Midge is survived by her children Linda Allard (George), Donna Brust (Kent), Terri Canavan (late Paul), and Brian Fowler. Her step children Jo Ella Fowler and David (Tina) Fowler.

Midge has eleven grandchildren, Donna Allard, Chris Allard, George (Heidi) Allard, Denise Allard (Randy Voris), Lisa (William) Grimmick, Jesse (Amelia) Brust, David (Beth) Wasniski II, Randy Wasniski, Daniel Canavan, Shanae (Joseph) Clay and Ezekial Robinson. She also has nine great grandchildren, Amanda, Caitlin, Kelsie, Zackery, Ryan, Ava, George IV, Isaac and Jasmine.

Survivors also include her step grandchildren Matthew (April) Fowler, Laura Benefield and her step great grandchildren, Alyssa and Madison Fowler and Jace Benefield.

She is also survived by her sister Catherine Southworth and several loving nieces and nephews.

Services for Midge will be held on March 23, 2026, at Bond Funeral Home, 1614 Guilderland Ave, Schenectady NY 12306. Calling hours will be held from 11-1 followed by a service at 1PM.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made in Midge’s memory to The Schenectady City Mission. Donate – City Mission of Schenectady