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Martha Painter Sheeder earned her B.S. degree from the University of Texas, Austin in 1981. Martha returned to school to study nursing later in life at Baylor's Louise Herrington School of Nursing in Dallas, Texas. Just before finishing her studies, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Fighting cancer was likely one of the most difficult experiences of her life, but she did not show it and she never lost her sense of humor and positivity. She knew God's plan was bigger than cancer.
After completing her treatment, Martha earned her B.S.N. degree from Baylor University in 2013. Inspired by her own battle with breast cancer, she eventually returned to work as an infusion nurse at Texas Oncology, the very place she received her own chemotherapy. As a former patient, she had a unique perspective of her work, and she found her life's calling helping others fight cancer.
An example of her creativity and passion was "Martha's Gong." She purchased a large gong and created a now infamous tradition of having patients at Texas Oncology ring the gong on their last day of treatment so that all can celebrate with them. This is a tradition that continues to this day.
Martha always chose happiness, even when it was difficult to do so. She was a woman so filled with love for her God and for others-everyone she encountered was better for knowing her. Martha lived her life BIG and LOUD. She cherished the small things in life and never took a moment for granted. She was an inspiration-showing others how to love unconditionally, live fearlessly, laugh constantly, and trust an uncertain future to an all-knowing God.
Martha had four daughters: Allison Hill Sheeder, Meredith Fontaine Sheeder, Lindsay Elizabeth Sheeder, and Maury Kathryn Sheeder. Martha Painter Sheeder passed away peacefully with her adoring family by her side on October 20, 2016.
Getting her degree from Baylor's Louise Herrington School of Nursing in Dallas changed Martha's life and allowed her to change the lives of others as a nurse. Martha would be overjoyed that in her passing, she can continue helping others with their dream of becoming a nurse.
This endowed scholarship fund provides assistance to deserving students who are enrolled in the Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing in Dallas, Texas, with preference given to students participating in the FastBacc BSN Program.
*The family will be notified of all donors who help to create this living tribute to Martha.
