Born in Italy, Martha Thayer early on married American corporate businessman, James (Jimmy) Thayer and became Martha Thayer. A long time Santo Domingo resident, she was known as a connector and cultural promoter, and for her love of the Dominican Republic and its people.
On 28 April 2025, she passed away in her lovely Colonial City house. She could have lived anywhere in the world, but chose to stay in the Colonial City after widowing because she loved the Colonial City and she loved the cultural life she enjoyed with her friends in the Dominican Republic. She would say frequently, “I am the Colonial City.” She was very active until blinded by failing eyesight that put a damper on her usually active life.
Martha Thayer would help many Dominicans to get to know the best of the Colonial City. She knew the historic city’s traditions, and frequently introduced these to her Dominican friends.
Diario Libre publishes a testimony to her spirit written by photographer Carlos Prandoni.
Read more in Spanish:
Diario Libre
30 April 2025