ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Retired Chiles Group Chief Financial Officer Martha Wright passed away on Oct. 20.
Martha retired a few years ago and in recent years experienced some lingering health issues. During her time with the Chiles Group (now known as Chiles Hospitality), she played a pivotal role in the success of the Sandbar restaurant in Anna Maria, the BeachHouse restaurant in Bradenton Beach and the Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub in Longboat Key.
“I had the privilege to work with Martha Wright for 33 years,” Chiles Hospitality founder Ed Chiles said. “If I had to pick one person who was the most responsible for the success we have had for over four decades in this business, it would be Martha. Generations of locals and guests to our area have enjoyed our unique locations and Martha’s passion, dedication and professionalism were instrumental in making that possible.”
Former Chiles Group Marketing Director Caryn Hodge said, “Martha and I worked together for many years at the Chiles Group. She championed me for the position of marketing director. We were not just colleagues, but true friends. We bonded over our shared love and passion for helping homeless pets. We became even closer after she retired, keeping in touch with each other up until her passing. To me, she was a mentor – someone who was a great listener and advice-giver with such patience and love. She was a loyal friend and confidant, and I will miss her so much. The one thing that gives me solace is knowing she is now with her beloved dog and soul mate, Ringo.”
Former Chiles Group Office Manager Lynda Bailey said, “Martha always made me want to do better at work and as a person. I will miss her a lot.”
“Martha’s door was always open,” former Chiles Group IT Manager Lisa Castro said. “She was kind and generous. I’m grateful for her friendship and the time we spent together, and I will miss her dearly.”
Cheryl Wade runs the Gulf Shore Animal League, which Wright was heavily involved in.
“Martha gave generously of her time to volunteer as Gulf Shore Animal League’s treasurer for the past 16 years,” Wade said. “Martha was a compassionate soul and she had a deep love of animals, especially cats. She never looked the other way when there was an animal in need. We are grateful for her enduring friendship, lifelong advocacy for animals and tireless dedication to support our mission to reduce the population of homeless cats in Manatee County through our Trap-Neuter-Return program. Martha’s generous heart and spirit of kindness will stay with us always.”
A celebration of life will be held at The Pavilion at the Sandbar in Anna Maria on Friday, Nov. 17 at 2 p.m.
