Martha Brown Royall, Beloved Community Leader, Dies at 87

The Lewes resident founded a farmers market and touched many lives through her entrepreneurship and philanthropy.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:51pm

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph in soft pools of warm color and light, depicting a cozy, domestic lifestyle scene conceptually representing the life and legacy of Martha Royall.The vibrant life and community impact of Martha Royall are captured in this intimate, dreamlike scene.Baltimore Today

Martha Brown Royall, a longtime resident of Lewes, Delaware, passed away on March 28, 2026, at the age of 87. Royall was a beloved community leader who founded the Historic Lewes Farmers Market and had a storied career as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and volunteer.

Why it matters

Royall's passing marks the end of an era for the Lewes community, where she was a driving force behind many local initiatives and organizations. Her life story highlights the impact that passionate, community-minded individuals can have on a town, and her legacy will continue to inspire others to get involved and make a difference.

The details

Royall is survived by her husband, Richard M. Royall, her two daughters Patty Royall and Betsy Goodhue, her son-in-law Scott Goodhue, and three grandsons. Prior to retiring to Lewes in 2002, Royall had a diverse career that included founding a fitness studio, catering company, and talent agency. She was also heavily involved in the film and video industry in Maryland, serving as the founder of the state's chapter of Women in Film & Video.

  • Royall passed away on March 28, 2026.
  • She retired to Lewes, Delaware in 2002.
  • Royall founded the Historic Lewes Farmers Market in the mid-2000s.

The players

Martha Brown Royall

A longtime resident of Lewes, Delaware who passed away at the age of 87. Royall was a beloved community leader, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.

Richard M. Royall

Martha Royall's husband of many years.

Patty Royall

Martha Royall's eldest daughter.

Betsy Goodhue

Martha Royall's youngest daughter.

Scott Goodhue

Betsy Goodhue's husband and Martha Royall's son-in-law.

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What’s next

Donations can be made in Royall's name to The Heifer Foundation, a charity close to her heart.

The takeaway

Martha Royall's life exemplified the positive impact that passionate, community-minded individuals can have on a local town. Her legacy as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and driving force behind the Historic Lewes Farmers Market will continue to inspire others to get involved and make a difference in their own communities.