Former Lexington Resident Martha Ziegler, Advocate for Special Needs Children, Dies at 84

Martha Ziegler, the mother of an autistic child and founder of the Federation for Children with Special Needs, has died. She was 84.

Ziegler, who lived part of her life in Lexington, had a serious fall in April. She died on Sept. 13.

She devoted most of her life to fighting for the rights of those with disabilities. Her daughter, Mary Ann, had autism.

In 1974, Ziegler founded the Federation for Children with Special Needs, which is still in existence. The organization ”provides information, support, and assistance to parents of children with disabilities, their professional partners, and their communities.” Ziegler wrote a book, “My Daughter, My Teacher,” about raising her child.

“Our hearts are filled with gratitude for all she did for our community with special needs,” said federation board president James Whalen.

Ziegler was born in 1930 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She graduated from Franklin College. Last year, the college presented her with a lifetime achievement award.

Ziegler leaves behind her daughter, who lives in Lexington.

A memorial service will be held Oct 2. at the Church of Our Redeemer in Lexington at 11 a.m.

Martha Ziegler’s obituary

Photo credit: Federation for Children with Special Needs