This memorial is very belated but some of her high school friends in fort collins are just connecting and finding out.  I wish I had known and  could have been more involved.  Marta and I were locker partners and on the swim team together.  She was gorgoeous.  The hottest guys in the school were all in love with her  and I knew because they would walk up to me at our locker......(I would be all twittered) "Hi Allan"....  and the reply was always "hi Liz, do you know where Marta is?"  But even though she could have been the snottiest girl, especially after being in the Miss Colorado contest, she was always humble, friendly and fun.  I always could make her laugh.  We were on the same relay team.  i was backstroke, she was breaststroke or butterfly.  I started.  Sometimes I would screw around a little in the opponents lane while we were lining up. As I pulled up on the block for the gun start I whispered : "I peed in her lane",  She laughed so hard She almost coudn't get up on the block. 
Her mom was also awesome. My mom died and never saw me swim.  Martas mom just adopted me and cheered for me. Rest in peace my beautiful friend.  I'll be up soon to make fun of all those saints and their comfortable shoes.  liz lammot campbell

Marta was a friend of mine at MacMurray College. She transferred in and lived in Jane Hall, and we eventually become friends. She was very smart and kind, that was obvious. I loved hearing about her adventures and journeys of going home and back(Colorado was it?).  It always turned into an adventure with her little Fiat. She was one of the most impressive young women I have ever met. Honestly, this was a mature young woman who had the world by the tail and was going places. I was in awe of her. There was not a man on campus who did not have a "thing" for her. My goal was to try and make her laugh, which we did endlessly. She was seriously in love with her family and her boyfriend and she had a profound impact on those who knew her at MacMurray. I never met her family, but knew they must be very special to produce someone this incredible. After graduation I never heard from her again. All I have  are these images in my head from 1981, of this incredible beautiful young woman, and I can hear  sound of her laughter in my head. Those are very cherished memories. I was deeply affected by her, and it is obvious she continued to touch others for the rest of her life. I will never forget her. She was transcendant. 

From Lori Whiteley, former coworker at Amgen

I had the good fortune to have worked with Marta at Amgen. She was incredibly talented- bright, creative, driven, and full of well thought out and even gutsy ideas. I remember her working late many nights to come up with solutions to very complex issues, but she always had a smile on her face and seemed to enjoy and truly care about her work. She seemed wise beyond her years but also had a lightness about her. She was different from anyone I had ever met- she was career oriented but not at the expense of others, very collaborative and never intimidating, always making everyone around her feel at ease. In fact, people were drawn to Marta as she was so kind and caring; she made people feel good about themselves, that their ideas/thoughts mattered. I highly respected her for her intelligence but more importantly as a person in how she conducted herself and treated others. Many talented people have come and gone from Amgen but when she left, I thought she left too soon and that they truly missed out on a hidden gem that had so much undiscovered potential.

Marta’s face always lit up when she talked about her children and family. I also remember talking to her about the Coca Cola collectibles her family had. Now my son has a small collection and I think of her when I see them. My heart goes out to her family and friends. Know that she made a difference and touched many people’s lives in so many ways.

It is truly a blessing to be touched by someone who has left a lasting impression on your heart. It has been at least 35 years since I last spoke to Marta. She was such a compassionate, loving person. Her smile, and sense of humor were so special. Her view of the world was always so unique and full of faith. I was crushed to see this web site. I can only imagine what she must have gone through. I wish her family all the best, and may the peace of the lord be always with her.

For Marta,

I will always remember your sparkling blue eyes that captured your passion for life,  family, and work. It invited others into your curiosity and zest for life. Your dedicated, "take no prisoners" approach to attacking any problem raised the bar for performance of all those around you. Your integrity, broad and deep strategic mind ran at the speed of light challenging all the rest of us to keep up! Marta's intelligence, generosity and grace are so evident in her children Mitch and Alexa and only a few of the many gifts she has given us all. It was a priviledge to know such a powerful, kind, and loving light in the world. My thoughts and prayers are with Mitch, Alexa, Alex, and all the family in your grief.

oh no! The world will be a dimmer place without that beautiful ray of sunshine....I am very very sad to hear of such a loss to you and your kids. Hugs and love sent your way

( From Dawn Corbin, Garrison,ND)
 

(From Caryn Conklin Brown Charlotte,NC)

Marta was my dear friend and it’s been heartbreaking to see her suffer over the last few years. Through it all, she continued to remain focused on what she could do for her family, her friends, and the patients in need as well as Abbott’s business. Many admired Marta’s attitude, prospective and determination; we will all miss her smile, good nature and the happy times we shared together. She called me a couple of weeks ago with ideas she’s thought of that could help me, that was classic Marta, always trying to help others regardless of how much pain she was in at the time. I will miss her and cherish her memory and the good times we shared. 

My deepest sympathy to the Marta’s family, may your good memories with her provide you comfort in the years to come.

Marta, you are forever in my memory and in my heart.

 Inga Feiter

Marta was my boss, mentor, and friend.   She affected my life in so many positive ways. I loved, admired, and respected her.   I am going to miss her tremendously.   Here are some of my memories. 

Thad

I will always remember working with Marta.  She was a busy woman, but if stopped by her office she would always take the time for you.  She never made me feel "rushed along".  I always appreciated that about her.  You knew that she truly enjoyed the people she worked with.  And you knew that the people she worked with truly enjoyed working with her.

To Marta's family:  I am so deeply sorry for your loss.  She was a wonderful woman.  It was a pleasure to know her. 

Nikki Goforth

I remember it like it was yesterday.  It was a Monday morning - the day after returning from a week long vacation at the beach. I was called to an 8 am meeting to discuss access strategies for Humira.  There was a new person at the table armed with fresh ideas, challenging questions, and a passion unlike any I had seen before.  I couldn't help thinking - who is the woman and where did she come from? I was later introduced to her - it was Marta.

I had the pleasure of working for Marta for several years while at Abbott. Under her leadership, I was challenged to treat others fairly and with respect, take a stand, believe in it and take action, and always find the "devil in the details"!  As a working mom, she taught me the importance of "balance"  and loved to share stories about her kids, parents and sister.

What I admired most about Marta was her unshakeable integrity and zest for life.  Her courage and spirit will live on through those of us lucky enough to have known her. She is truly one of a kind and will be missed.

My sincerest condolences to her family.

Mary McAndrews-Southard

Dear Mitch, Lexi, Carey, Larry, and Mr. and Mrs. Schroeder,

I can't remember the first moment I met Marta, but I know the day we became friends. She had invited a number of us to a harvest party she was hosting in the barn. (I still have the maple leaf invitation she sent.) It turned into a beautiful October day, and when I arrived, a 15-year old Mitch was driving Marta's tractor taking the guests out for a hay ride. Marta showed me around the barn and introduced me to the goat, and told me more than I could ever remember about chickens. Later that day, I was introduced to Mitch and Lexi, who was on a swing. It was then that I understood that as accomplished and brilliant as Marta was at work, she cherished and excelled in her most important role as mother. 

About two years ago, I picked Marta up in the late afternoon and we took a ride to Lake Geneva. It was the day after Labor Day and when we got the boat out, we were the only ones on the water. I asked Marta if she wanted to drive. She eagerly went behind the wheel. As she was driving (fast and in control, I would add), her face lit up. It was the most amazing smile I've ever seen. I don't know if it was one of her happiest days, but that smile on her face made it one of mine.

Her warmth, generosity, energy and kindness have touched my heart immeasurably. I'm blessed to have known such an amazing lady.  My friendship and prayers go to the entire family.

Laureen Cassidy 

Marta came into my life twice.  First, during an exploratory interview with Abbott as she was looking to leave Pfizer.  And a few years later as we, Abbott, were looking for a senior leader in our Managed Markets group, the head of Human Resources asked if I remembered a candidate, Marta Schroeder.  She remembered me as I did her.  We clicked and within two weeks, she accepted the position, moved her children, bought a house, registered them for school and showed up for her first day at Abbott.  Wow, what a woman! 

She touched so many people - with her grace, her wit, her intellect, her vision, her beauty, her inner strength, her depth of character, her compassion.  But it's the little things I'll treasure about her - her goats and hybrid chickens in the barn, her pride over her son's pumpkin chucking accomplishments, her fluent  Spanish, the cup of tea she would make for you in her office when you were having a tough day.  And when you knew her day was more difficult than you could ever imagine. 

My grandmother would tell me that things happen for a reason. That's why I believe I got a second chance to know this amazing woman.  She defines grace.  My sincerest condolences to her family and friends.  It was an honor to know her. 

Heather Mason

Brilliant radiance . . . these are the two words that I would describe Marta.

I'm honored and blessed to have had the privilege of working for and with Marta. 

Marta always had an open door policy.  In our conversations, be it work, career or children related, Marta exhibited a brilliance unparalleled.  What was amazing was her ability to simply the complex to allow those of us around her fully comprehend her brilliance. 

You always knew when Marta was in a room -- just follow her radiance! Her conversations -- joyful and profound -- attracted many to her. 

Thank you Marta for enriching my life and the lives of so many others. We are blessed to have known you and to have had you in our lives!

My sincere condolences to all family and friends of Marta. May this old Irish saying bless you and console you . . . "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; LOVE leaves a memory no one can steal."

Valery Gallagher

The Bowman Families thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.

Marta was an incredible influence in my life not only within the business world but also as a friend. I spent many long hours in her office while at Abbott chatting about the world as we know it. No matter what the issue Marta was willing to lend a hand or suggest a path forward.

She was one of the most encouraging people I have known. My thoughts go back to her inviting us out to the house and allowing my daughter to run around the barn and chase the goats. I can hear her sweet laugh now as I think back on those days.

She loved life and we were better because we knew her.

You will be missed my dear friend.

Scotty

I had the marvelous opportunity to work with Marta her entire career at Abbott.  What a delight to be around.  What I thought was really remarkable was her way of thinking.  She always knew where the facts should lead, but her conversations as to how to get there was often "sideways".  That is, she had the ability to think 4 or 5 moves downstream, and would move there with leaps and bounds, often leaving the rest of us to scratch or heads wondering where she was going and how she would get there.  In the end she was on target most of the time.

We will all miss her smiling face, thanks for the smiling picture, and that how can we get this done attitude.  A wonderful woman that I am proud to say I knew her and got to share in her glow.

My sincerest condolences to her entire family and friends.

Dale Johnson 

I met Marta when she first came to Abbott and worked with her until my retirement in June, 2008.  Marta brought such great experience and knowledge to us but most of all she was a beautiful person.  Light hearted, charming and so intelligent.  You liked Marta as soon as you met her.  She was one of those people you wanted to be around. 

My deepest condolences to all of you, I know you will miss her dearly and so will those of us who had the pleasure of her company for a such short time.

Debbie DeYoung

I was introduced to Marta in early 2004 and worked directly with her until my retirement in mid 2006 after 36 years with Abbott. 

I had never met, let alone worked with, anyone in my career that offered all the special talents that Marta possessed.  She was sent to us to share her incredibly strong work ethic, her sensitivity and caring for all her co-workers and a breadth of knowledge and understanding of the challenges in the work place that far surpassed her peers.  Marta quite simply was beautiful and brilliant! 

To the Schroeder family, please accept my sincere condolences on Marta's passing and know that all her friends will miss her very deeply too.  We are all fortunate to have been touched by Marta's time in our lives.

Dave Dezelan