To Worm and all of Martha’s family, I will never forget our Chester W. 22nd St. group. What life was like back then will never be repeated. We all got along and enjoyed the simple things like running through the hose to cool off and waiting for the ice cream truck. Wishing you peace and comfort as all the memories you hold will stay in your heart. Christine (Teen) Hollis Mazza. (Camden, Maine).

In thes time of great sorrow, it is comforting to know that Marty is in Heaven with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and her beloved daughter Heather.

To her husband Bill,

I'm very sorry for your loss. My sincere condolences to you and your family.

With loving regards,

Lou Milone

We wanted to send thoughts and prayers to Bill and family on the loss of Marty. Please accept our deepest condolences. Dave and Maureen VanZant

I am so sorry to hear of Marty’s passing. Her kindness will always be remembered and treasured by anyone who had any interaction with her. Sending love and hugs to Bill and Billy and the rest of your family.

With love,

Lynne Whitson

(Big Steve’s daughter)

A Letter to my big Sister Martha:

Dear Martha,

Since there were so many years that separated us in age, you were more like a second Mom. I remember so many loving things that you did for me.

I remember how you use to cut my hair in the basement; just as good as any barber. I remember how, on one occasion I was playing with a model airplane, and a paint chip from the model fell directly into my eye. You quickly came to my rescue and gently worked the paint chip out of my eye. I remember how you use to stop by the house on Mowry St. after your shift at the hospital still in your nursing uniform and would check in on me.

I was and still am so proud of you for your nursing career. I remember telling so many people my big sister is a nurse and I would share with them how you worked in the burn unit. I think I even remember an occasion when you went up in the rescue helicopter to get a patient.

I believe that Jesus has a special place in His Sacred Heart for nurses. Why? Because nurses are always performing the Corporal Works of Mercy, and Jesus teaches us in the Gospel that these Corporal Works of Mercy, when done to the least of our brethren, our done to Him.

For the past years many miles have separated us but you kept in touch with hand written letters. Not just a brief note, but sometimes four sheets of loose leaf paper written on both sides, often asking, “When are you coming home, Mike?” I will miss those letters!

When I heard of your passing into eternity, I was in the middle of directing a retreat for Sisters. I had to stay focused and could not dwell on my sorrow. But now that the retreat is over, I was able to go into the chapel and sit before the Lord, and the tears fell.

Most likely I will not be physically present for your memorial but I will be present in prayer and accompany in thought our brothers John and David and our sisters Mary and Betty and of course, Worm and Bill.

I look forward to coming home some day, and being with you again, not on Mowry Street but in our Heavenly Father’s House where the brightness of the risen Christ will be our lasting joy and we will no longer fear separation again!

In Paradisum Deducant te Angeli:

“May the angels lead you into paradise;

May the martyrs receive you at your arrival

And lead you to the Holy City Jerusalem.

May choirs of angels receive you and with Lazarus,

once poor, May you have eternal rest.”

Your little brother,

Fr. Michael

My name is Liz Hosbein daughter of my Aunt Martha's sister Bette. I have such fond memories of my Aunt Martha visiting us in Montana when I was in my younger years. One memory that has always stayed close to me and has had many laughs over the years was her grave concern over rattlesnakes. One of the very first things she did when she arrived was to head to the local farm and ranch store to get herself a pair of tall cowboy boots. She wore those things the entire visit and we would all laugh at how funny she looked. Especially since we did spend a lot of time towing the boat to the lake and hanging out in the sandy beach area. Yes you got it swim suit and cowboy boots=)

I didn't have the luxury of spending much time in my adult life visiting except for a few very short visits and that has been many years ago. However, I recall my Aunt Martha being such a warm, compassionate women and going out of her way to make sure all were comfortable and happy. May all who had the great pleasure of having Martha in you life, feel blessed that she was apart of your lives and that you are better person because of it.

May the good Lord keep you all in his prayers during this very emotional sad time and give you strength to carry on. That is what Martha would want. To look down from the heavens and see us all living our best lives. Rest in Peace my dear sweet Auntie.

Liz Hosbein