Martha Sloat Fassett Iszard

Martha Sloat Fassett Iszard, beloved wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2026. She was born on June 11, 1944, in Elmira, New York and throughout her life remained deeply connected to the Elmira community and to the beauty, serenity, history, and community of the Finger Lakes region, making her home in Glenora on Seneca Lake.

Martha was the beloved wife of Robert French Iszard Jr. The two were married on July 2, 1966, at Grace Episcopal Church, beginning a loving partnership that spanned nearly six decades. During Bobby’s four years of service in the United States Army, they embraced life in various locations across the country, building a strong foundation of resilience, adventure, and unwavering commitment to one another.

She was the cherished mother of John (Candace) Fassett Iszard and Sara (former spouse Jennifer) French Iszard. Nothing brought Martha greater joy than her role as “Gamma” to Noah Robert Iszard-Michael, Elijah Fassett Iszard-Michael, Hamilton McClellan Iszard, and Natilee Harriett Iszard. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and their stories, milestones, and laughter brought her incredible joy.

Martha is also survived by her sister, Mary Booth (Ralph) Fassett Roberts, and nieces Martha (John) Roberts Schneiderhan and Harriett (Chris) Roberts Harvey; her sister-in-law Karen (Buck) Iszard Brinton; and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends.

She was predeceased by her parents, John Hamilton Fassett and Harriet Booth Fassett; her in-laws, Robert and Dorothy Iszard; and her sister-in-law, Barbara Iszard Hislop.

A graduate of Rogers Hall School and Garland Junior College, Martha carried with her a lifelong appreciation for history, art, learning, and service. She gave generously of her time and talents to the community she loved. She was a faithful member of the Grace Church Altar Guild, an active member of the Junior League of Elmira, and a Board Member of the Near Westside Neighborhood Association where she spearheaded the restoration of the Second Street Cemetery, and served as Blood Chairperson for the local American Red Cross. She was a dedicated President and Board Member of the Chemung County Historical Society, Manager of the gift shop at the Arnot Art Museum, a design consultant at Iszard’s Department Store, and a Board Member of the Women’s Study Club at the Dundee Library. Through each role, she strengthened the cultural and civic fabric of her community with quiet leadership and heartfelt dedication.

Martha will be remembered for her creativity, gracious and adventurous spirit, and her deep love for Bobby, her family, her adoring Westies and cherished friends. She had an incredible eye for beauty, design and a passion for music. She found happiness in gardening, painting, sewing, knitting and quilting; joy in cooking, reading and travel, and peace, both on Seneca Lake and at the ocean with its beautiful beach glass. Martha will always be appreciated for her steadfast devotion to preserving the history and institutions that meant so much to her hometowns. Her kindness, appreciation for life, thoughtful interest in everyone she met, curiosity about every new experience, and her infectious smile and warm hugs will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Martha’s memory to the Chemung County Historical Society, 415 East Water Street, Elmira, NY 14901; the Arnot Art Museum, 235 Lake Street, Elmira, NY 14901 (www.arnotartmuseum.org/support); or the Dundee Library, 32 Water Street, Dundee, NY 14837 (dundeelib.org).

A celebration of Martha’s life will be held at a future date.