John Burniston

I reconnected with Marty about ten years ago, through Classmates, and we kept in touch over the years.  We caught up about friends, and family, and she sent me some old pictures and articles from high school.  She admitted to being a saver, and laughed about the fact that we were growing older.  She told me that she had had a bout with cancer years ago, but was doing well.

She let me know when the cancer returned and she kept me posted with each treatment.  She was so strong, and so positive about her life, loved her family, and especially doted on her granddaughter.

I feel sad that she is gone.  She was special.  Rest in peace, Marty.

John Burniston

Sara Kuehn (Gallagher)

I was saddened to learn about Marty's death in this forum.  I remember hanging around with her and other friends in a group for a year or so during our school years.  She was a tremendously nice person.

Sarah Kennedy (Domster)

I am so saddened to hear that Marty is no longer with us.  She had such a wonderful personality - always had a smile. 

Dick Wightman

I hung around with Marty when her Mother died. A very difficult time for a young woman at that age. But, like everything Marty confronted, she pushed on. I am glad to know she was happy in her marriage.. RIP friend.

Lynn Takats (Leavitt)

I met Marty when we were 11 years old.  We lived around the corner from each other and became best friends for the next 52 years.  We literally went from bobby socks to stockings, riding bikes to driving cars.  We supported each other through thick and thin over the years.  There was no one who could make me laugh so hard and be a better best friend.  We went through every phase of life together sharing everything right to the very end.

Marty was an extraordinary person.  She could remember the date, place, and exact time that things occurred years ago.  I stood in awe of her for many reasons!  She was considerate, kind, and a loving friend, sister, wife, and mother.  She was an expert quilter and a crafter extraordinaire.  Although she moved a few times during her adult years, we emailed frequently, talked on the phone regularly, and found time to see each other as much as possible and always had a giggling fest each time.

When she was diagnosed with cancer, I was devastated but never let on how worried and upset I was.  We spoke several times a week, and I had the chance to see her before she became really sick.  Marty's sister, Peg, brother, Paul, and husband, Ray were a wonderful support to Marty when she became really ill, staying by her side constantly.  She adored her son, daughter-in-law, and grand daughter and was so happy they had come to visit her when she was ill.

After Marty passed, I was devastated, and because it was getting close to winter, her memorial service wasn't held until the next spring in Ohio.  It was a beautiful service with everyone recounting the wonderful times and memories they had of an exceptional person.  I am fortunate, because Marty made me a memory book with audio, and I can look back at that and hear her voice and laugh with her.  Her last email to me was an email I will keep forever and ever.   I miss Marty every day and feel so fortunate to have had the blessing of knowing her.  She loved her friends at Kenmore West more than you'll know.  Your comments have been wonderful.

Marty's memory and spirit will live on.

Nancy Bishop (Wittman)

So sad to see you on this list, that has been growing way too much, God has taken way to many of you from us , but knowing you , you will be at the reunion one way or another. You made our gym class such a fun time, with our lovely blue gym suits . It was fun playing bad mitten with you thanks for all the laughs you gave me through the years. They say God only takes the best and you truly were one of them ! Miss your smile and humor ! 

Sure you are keeping them in stitches in heaven , so sorry for your family's loss of your wonderful personality and wit . Try to stay out of trouble ! 

Barbara Joseph (Cassetta)

While I was never a close friend to Marty like so many of you, I do remember wanting to know her better...she had genuine joie de vivre for sure!  And, wasn't she the owner of a very sweet convertible---red or yellow maybe that cruised Kenmore in those last KW days?

May we all remember to live EVERY day fully and with love!

Barbara Joseph (Cassetta)

Bonnie Kronson (Bavisotto)

My heart is heavy with such a tremendous loss~~You Marty~~May you be up on heaven with all the other angels~~~~Some day we'll all party again my friend...