Martha Jean Ellard Bimshas, 81 of Stow, Ohio and formerly of Wrentham, Massachusetts passed away peacefully in her home on the morning of September 9, 2015. Born in Dorchester Massachusetts, she was the eldest daughter of the late James and Doris Ellard. Natalie White Ellard, her birth mother, died when she was very young. She was the sister of Natalie Blanche Slaney, who survives her, and the late Mary Pritchard. She graduated Dorchester High School for Girls in 1952 and received an honorary degree from Northeastern University in 1957. She worked as a switchboard operator at the telephone company, a prelude to a life of effortlessly talking with and connecting people to one another. She also worked at Sun Life of Canada, and Shawmut Bank for many years and after retirement, CVS pharmacy. In each occupation, she brought her easy smile, self-deprecating humor and devotion to helping others. Married to John Bimshas between 1955 -1977, she raised four children; the late Kathleen (Kathi) A. Bimshas of Needham, Massachusetts; John (Jack) R. Bimshas and his wife Kim, of Stow, Ohio; James (Jim) E. Bimshas and his wife Judie, of Dover, New Hampshire; and Karl D. Bimshas of San Diego, California. She is also fondly remembered by her seven grandchildren, Jessica, James, John, Andrew, Sarah, Katiana and Jonas; her five great-grandchildren Robert, Alana, Nathan, Brennan, and Keegan, several nieces, nephews, old friends and people buoyed by her no-nonsense style of wisdom and laughter. She made fast friends with most people and always remembered their birthdays. She enjoyed figuring out puzzles, crochet, and catching up with friends and family. Martha had a great affinity toward children and they for her. They would seek each other out and bask in each others smiles and impromptu silly games. She adored the pets of her life with equal affection. Occasionally, she overindulged in chocolate and sweets without gaining weight. Her small frame could not disguise her giant stature. The rock of her family, in times of trouble she moved with dignity and grace, in times of pain she cried and shared her vulnerability, in times of celebration, she was among the first to laugh. No matter the circumstance, she found a way to bring joy. Throughout her life, she held several afflictions close to her, seldom letting on to the extent of her ailments. Instead she defeated, ignored or adjusted to them without ever losing her charm and positive outlook. She was the best friend and close confidant to many, a partner in crime with a few, and loved by all. Acquaintances, and those who knew her their entire life referred to her as, 'a great lady.' They were right. She loved and was loved. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you spend time sharing a smile with a child, scratching a pet behind their ears, and enjoy a dish of ice cream.