Martha Ann (Merzigian) Layte, 64, of Paxton passed away at home surrounded by her family.

She leaves her husband of 42 years, Richard S. Layte; two children, Rebecca Paonessa and her husband Michael of Paxton and Andrew Layte and his wife, Natalie of Paxton; five grandchildren, Charlie, John, Anna, Rosie and Leona; four siblings, John Merzigian, Michael Merzigian, Francis Merzigian, and JoAnn Sivazlian, nieces and nephews, and her beloved dog, Aggie. She was born in Worcester, daughter of the late John and Elisa (Gorgoglione) Merzigian. Her stepmother, Jean (Malone) Merzigian, also predeceased her. She graduated from Doherty Memorial High School and Anna Maria College.

Martha worked for the Thom McAn Company in Worcester for many years. She also worked for TJX in development and training at their Framingham office, and was the Manager of Human Resources at their Worcester distribution center until recently. Martha was a longtime member of the Armenian Church of Our Saviour and was active in both the Woman’s Guild and the Easter Fellowship. At one time she even served as a diocesan delegate. Martha was happiest when surrounded by family and friends, for whom she loved to cook Sunday night dinners. Martha also took pleasure in crocheting, especially for her grandchildren. Another of her greatest passions was traveling with her husband. She especially enjoyed their trips to England and cruises to Bermuda, and most recently was delighted to visit Venice and Florence for their 40th anniversary.

Visiting Hours are Sunday, December 2 from 2:00 to 5:00pm in Callahan Fay Caswell Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle St., Worcester. A Funeral Service will be held Monday, December 3 at 11am at the Armenian Church of Our Saviour, 87 Salisbury Street, Worcester. Burial will be private in Worcester County Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Armenian Church of Our Saviour.