Martha M. Kitchen-Nolan, businesswoman

Martha M. Kitchen-Nolan, a retired businesswoman and musician, died Saturday from multiple organ failure at Carroll Hospital Center in Westminster. She was 88.

Martha Margaret Sass was the daughter of Joseph Sass, a tannery worker, and Hilda Karnisky Sass, a homemaker. She was born in Irvona, Pa., and raised in Westover, Pa., where she graduated from public schools.

She was married in 1946 to Clarence E. Kitchen, a builder, and became the business manager of his company, Clarence Kitchen General Builder. He died in 2008.

The longtime Westminster resident was an accomplished seamstress.

She was also a self-taught musician who had mastered the wind chimes, piano, accordion, harmonica, mandolin and guitar, family members said.

Mrs. Kitchen-Nolan enjoyed entertaining nursing home residents and performing at anniversary and birthday parties. She was a member of the String Band of America.

She also liked cooking for family and friends and was a scratch baker. Services will be held 11 a.m. today at the Burrier Queen Funeral Home, 1212 W. Liberty Road, Winfield.

Mrs. Kitchen-Nolan is survived by her husband of nine years, Richard Nolan; a son, John E. Kitchen of Finksburg; two daughters, Barbara Jean Mullinix of Woodbine and Nancy A. Wanzer of Sykesville; eight grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.