Martha Wunsch

Martha E. Wunsch passed away peacefully from dementia on January 15, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones. Born on July 27, 1947, in Indianapolis, she lived a life rich in love, service, and faith and is deeply missed by her family, friends and caretakers.

Martha’s life took her from Indiana to many places around the globe with her husband Jerry († 2017) an attorney and member the U.S. diplomatic corps. International assignments included Mexico, Suriname and The Netherlands with two stints in Washington DC where Martha and Jerry studied Spanish and Dutch to prepare for deployment.

In 1979 Martha and Jerry returned to Indiana with their two children where Martha completed her Bachelor's degree in English from the University of Indianapolis. During this time she was active in her church, raised and launched her two children and cared for her own aging parents - all the while working as an administrator at the University of Indianapolis before transitioning to manage Jerry’s law practice. During her own mother’s struggle with dementia, she was actively involved with the Indiana Alzheimer’s Association.

Martha took an early retirement with her husband. Their first order of business was to design and build a beautiful home on 25 acres in Jackson County, IN where they lived before moving to Bonita Springs, FL. In retirement, she was known for her community service, delicious meals, and love of animals, particularly dogs. She is also remembered for her unruly garden where her Midwestern green thumb was empowered by the tropical conditions of Southwestern Florida. Martha and Jerry became Census enumerators in 2000, truly a great way to meet their neighbors, and would also work at the polls on election days. Martha cherished the simple joys of riding her bike, Bacci, Zumba, synchronized swimming, walking with neighbors, and crocheting.

Sadly, Martha and Jerry’s “fun in the sun” years were cut short when she became a full-time caregiver following Jerry’s cancer diagnosis and eventual death in 2017. Martha was with her late husband for 50 years before he passed.

Martha is survived by her children, Jennifer Ferris and David (Kate) Wunsch, her beloved grandchildren, George (and future granddaughter-in-law Tejaswi), Megan, Emily, Matthew. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Allen Wunsch, and her parents, Gladys and Truman Baker.

Martha is remembered by her family as a firm yet supportive and loving mother and an enthusiastic and adventurous grandmother who was always ready for a local outing or a trip across the country. Martha's fearless spirit, bold curiosity, Christian faith, and tender heart left an indelible mark on those who knew her. She is sorely missed by her family including many cousins, as well as life-long friends.