Martha Agnew

After a long and full life, Martha (Patty) Gilkyson Agnew died peacefully on May 21, 2022 at her home surrounded by her three daughters. Patty was born in 1923 in Mont Clare, PA to Hamilton Henry and Phoebe Hunter Gilkyson. She was the youngest of four siblings; one beloved brother, Hamilton (Terry) Gilkyson and two beloved sisters, Grace Whitaker Gilkyson and Neal Gilkyson Thorpe, all preceding her in death. Patty graduated from The Agnes Irwin School outside of Philadelphia. During World War II she worked for the Office of Scientific Research and Development at The Franklin Institute. She moved to Santa Fe in 1950 to study under photographer Laura Gilpin and soon got a job as a staff photographer for the New Mexican newspaper. Patty and her sister, Grace, established the music store, The House of Music in 1953. Soon after marrying David R. Agnew (owner of the Santa Fe Country Store for 34 years) in 1955, they made their home on upper Canyon Road where she gardened, raised their three daughters, and enjoyed a rich life with many friends in Santa Fe. She was an avid fly fisher and skier. Her interests included serving on the Santa Fe Prep School board and on the Women's Board of Museums of New Mexico. She was preceded in death by her husband David R. Agnew.
She is survived by her daughters, Grace (Missy) Agnew of Santa Fe, NM, Martha (Marty) Hancock and husband Joaquin Hancock of Austin, TX, Margaret (Meg) Agnew and husband Merlin Wisswaesser of Canaan, NY.She adored her four beloved grandchildren; Nicholas H. Kuziel, Jewel Hancock-Wagh, Avalon F. Hancock, and Skylar A. Wisswaesser and step-grandson Gabriel S. Wisswaesser and step-granddaughter Annika T. Hansche and a great grandson and two step great granddaughters, and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to express deep gratitude to the many caregivers who lovingly made her later years so comfortable. Patty will be cremated and her ashes interred at the Morris Cemetery in Phoenixville, PA in the family plot with her parents, siblings and ancestors. A family ceremony will happen at that time. In Lieu of flowers and in honor of the deep love of nature she learned from her own family and passed on to her children and grandchildren, please make a donation in the name of Martha G. Agnew by directly contacting: The Randall Davey Audubon Center and Sanctuary: (505) 983-4609,1800 Upper Canyon Road, Santa Fe, NM 87501 or The Nature Conservancy: 800-628-6860.

The family of Martha Agnew has entrusted the care of their beloved one to Avista Cremation & Burial "where healing begins".

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Martha Agnew, please visit our Tree Store.