The family, friends, and colleagues of Dr. Martha Castaneda will gather on Saturday, February 15, at 11 a.m. to honor her remarkable life and legacy at a Celebration of Life at Kumler Chapel on the Miami University campus in Oxford, Ohio. Dr. Castaneda’s family encourages attendees to wear something colorful, reflecting her love for vibrant birds. A reception featuring dishes made from Dr. Castaneda’s own recipes will follow at the Hopedale Universalist Community. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested for Camp Kesem, an organization that supports children whose parents have been diagnosed with cancer and has been a significant part of her daughter Mira’s life.

Dr. Martha Castaneda was known for her vibrant personality that could light up any room. Roz Terek, OFLA President 2012-2013, recalls Martha’s ability to make even the most mundane tasks interesting and exciting: “We shared the ups and downs of conference planning, but we spent most of our time together discussing our children and food! She was so very excited about her little girl, Mira. Her enthusiasm about being a mom was catchy and clearly visible in her facial expressions as we spoke. The two of us shared a wonderful time amidst all the chaos and confusion of a conference as we laughed and shared updates on our careers and families. That’s my favorite memory of Martha.”

Martha was a friend to everyone she met, radiating positivity and inclusivity. Lesley Chapman, OFLA President 2019-2020, fondly remembers Martha’s kindness and contagious smile: “She exuded positivity everywhere she went, and her spirit of inclusivity made it so you felt that she was your friend after the first meeting. Martha’s smile was contagious and she will be missed by all those she touched.”

Richard Emch, President of OFLA 2014-2015, 2021-2022, who had the opportunity to work closely with Dr. Castaneda on the OFLA Board, describes her as a remarkable colleague who combined professionalism with warmth. Martha was dedicated to mentoring and guiding pre-service and early-career teachers, consistently offering her expertise and support generously.

Martha was a consummate professional and a wonderful human being.  “It was always a pleasure working together on various projects of the Ohio Foreign Language Association,” observes Teri Wiechart, OFLA President 2023-2014.

Dr. Martha E. Castaneda was a Professor of Foreign Language Education at Miami University, where she contributed significantly to the field of language acquisition, instructional design, and cognitive skills for foreign and second language learners. Her academic journey was impressive, earning a Ph.D. in Second Language Acquisition and Instructional Technology from the University of South Florida, an M.A. in Spanish Linguistics from the University of Florida, a B.A. in Spanish from the University of North Florida, and an A.A. in General Education from Manatee Community College.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions to world language education, Miami University appointed Dr. Castaneda as the Nancy Humbach Endowed Chair in Foreign Language Education for the 2024-2025 academic year. This prestigious role allowed her to spearhead innovative initiatives in curriculum development, research, and teaching. The endowment was made possible by the late Nancy Humbach, an emerita faculty member of Miami University, whose distinguished career in language education and extensive contributions to the field left a lasting legacy.

Martha’s impact extended beyond her academic achievements. She was a leader and advocate for the Ohio Foreign Language Association (OFLA), where she served in various roles, including Chair of the College/Teacher Education and Licensure Committee and in the presidential track. Her contributions to the association were invaluable, constantly working to improve the lives of teachers and students.

Dr. Castaneda’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of educators and language learners. Her spirit, dedication, and warmth will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all those she touched. As the community mourns her passing, they also celebrate the extraordinary life she led and the lasting impact she had on the world of education.

For those wishing to honor her memory, donations can be made to Camp Kesem at https://donate.kesem.org/fundraiser/6055513. Dr. Martha Castaneda’s light will forever shine in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.