Martha Umstead

Martha Umstead, known as Patsy by friends and family, age 97, died on March 11, 2025. She was born on June 5, 1927 to the late Walter Williams Umstead Sr. and Juanita Perdomo Umstead.

She was the oldest of 3 children. Born in Bogota, Colombia, she moved to the United States with her family in 1937. She grew up in North Carolina and graduated from Durham High School in 1946. She was a young gifted pianist and after graduation went to New York City to study piano with The Institute of Modern Piano Technique. She was a soloist with the NC Symphony Orchestra and played at numerous venues in New York. She moved back to Durham in 1994 and taught piano to students in the area until her passing.

Patsy is survived by her brother Richard Umstead, nephew Paul Umstead (Tessa, Devon) and niece Catherine Downes (Michael, Nicholas, Casey). She is predeceased by her brother Walter Williams Umstead Jr., great nephew Paul Williams Umstead and aunt Nativa Perdomo.

A mass will be held Tuesday March 18, 2025 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 810 W. Chapel Hill Road, Durham, NC.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.