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201 North Northwest Highway

Palatine, Illinois

MARTHA ATHERTON Obituary

PALATINE - Martha A. "Marty" Atherton of Plum Grove Estates, Palatine, 92, was born July 4, 1928, in Geneva, IL., and joined her Lord on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020. She is survived by her son, John Curry Atherton of Beaverton, OR., nephew Don Alsen and family of Palatine, and nieces in Arizona and California. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Curry "Bob" Atherton, loving parents, David and Edla Alsen; and sons, Robert David and Richard Hillary. Marty was born Martha Alsen and raised in St. Charles, IL. She graduated from St. Charles Community High School in 1946. After high school she attended and graduated from Indiana University, Bloomington, IN. from which she received a BA in accounting. Her early work after graduation included being an auditor for the well-known St. Charles hotelier, Col. Edward Baker and for Clark Street Associates, Chicago. As a young woman, Marty had a keen sense of travel and the outdoors. And it was through the American Youth Hostels Association that she met her husband of 52 years, Bob. They had many adventures together as they travelled the world and helped build one of the most successful machine tool dealerships in North America, Raco Industrial Corp., Des Plaines, IL. Through the years, Marty was well-known for her tireless dedication to her business and humanitarian work. She belonged to and led many charitable and business groups; nationally and internationally. These included American Women for International Understanding and Sister Cities International, which led her to fund numerous scholarships and grants. The Atherton foundations were major benefactors to the Countryside Unitarian Universalist Church Palatine, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Northwest Community Hospital, Arlington Heights, Lurie Children's Hospital Chicago, Museum of Science and Industry Chicago, Meadville Lombard Theological School Chicago, Legacy Health Foundation Portland, OR. and many more. Marty touched the lives of so many people, and her compassion was admired by all. Her generosity and spirituality in her family, community and church filled her life with pleasure and joy. She will be deeply missed. A visitation will be held Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Ahlgrim Family Funeral Home, 201 N. Northwest Highway, Palatine, between 3:00 and 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Countryside Unitarian Church in Palatine, or a charity of choice. Due to COVID restrictions her funeral will be private. A memorial celebration of Marty's life is planned for next year, when health restrictions will be lifted.

Published by Daily Herald on Oct. 15, 2020.
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John, your parents were good friends with my grandparents (Fred and Jayne Quellmalz). I recall attending countless sister cities meetings with them in the break room at Raco. Your Mom was one of the world's sweetest women. She had the most interesting stories and wonderful adventures. Her joy and kindness was a magnet to all those she came in contact with. She and your Dad always spoke so highly of you. Your Dad would always tell me about what the top of the mountains looked like after returning from your climbing trips with him. I am sorry to hear about your Mother's passing this year and send you my condolences.

Joslyn Osten

December 19, 2020

Elias Ortega

October 20, 2020

Marty was a wonderful human being with a great big smile! She lived a life that set an example for other women. Marty inspired me at so many levels – a strong woman, a mother, a business owner, a philanthropist, a friend, and a good citizen of this great planet! My condolences to John and a big community of friends of Marty! Love you so very much, Marty, and miss you dearly!

Madvi Raya

Friend

October 20, 2020

Marty was my boss for 20 years. With Bob. She made me a part of the Raco family, and what a family! She was an incredible person and an inspiration to every person who met her. I was so lucky to work for her. I will miss her and will never forget her as well as Bob, two of a kind.
Michel Goldkind
Vice President of raco industrial

Michel Goldkind

Coworker

October 17, 2020

Dear John,

I am so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. She was always such a joy to be around. Always happy and positive to all who met her! Thinking of you.

Sincerely,
Cagney Ravencraft McClung and Family

Cagney McClung

Friend

October 16, 2020

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3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Ahlgrim Family Funeral Homes

201 North Northwest Highway, Palatine, IL 60067-5359

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201 North Northwest Highway, Palatine, IL 60067-5359

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