Martha Morrison Whittinghill, 1917 - 2005

Martha Whittinghill, long time Chapel Hill resident and friend of Toxic Free NC, died November 1, 2005, at 87. She came to us seeking advice on the pesticide diazinon, which had been applied to control roaches in university housing in Tennessee where her husband was a visiting professor. She had received a massive dose of the potent neurotoxin. We helped her with information and referrals to legal and medical experts. She was ultimately successful in her suit against the state of Tennessee, and the experience began a friendship that lasted more than ten years.

She wrote her story in "A tale of the Roach", which she distributed far and wide as a cautionary tale. Like so many of the folks Toxic Free NC has worked with over the years, Martha hoped that her experience would protect others from the needless injuries she had suffered.

Martha grew up in rural NC, became a public health nurse, and was active in many civic and artistic projects. She settled in Chapel Hill, where she was an early supporter of Meals on Wheels and the PTA Thrift Shop, and advocated for recognition of the pioneering art therapy work of her friend Ruth Faison Shaw. A few years ago after her husband's death, she moved to Atlanta to be near her son's family.

Whenever Martha came to the office, on two sound legs, with a cane or walker or occasionally in a wheelchair, you knew that she had something to say, and that you would learn something new.

Martha was courageous and persistent, and a loyal friend of Toxic Free NC. We remember her many kindnesses, including additions to our research library, and send our condolences to her family and friends. She will be sorely missed. -Allen Spalt