Marta was the epitome of “fun aunt” at all phases of life. I remember her influence as a kid and I’m lucky to have shared such a special relationship with her through adulthood. We are both Geminis, after all.

She was a special combination of hard headed and warm hearted. I think my dad told me that she never liked Dr Seuss books cause she had “no time for nonsense” (which still makes me LOL) but she also was also our “cruise director” planning family trips, pushing us to have fun, and made sure everyone had a good time.

She both moved quickly through life (heaven forbid we sat at a table for longer than five minutes after the check had come) but also gave the most thoughtful, concerted attention. I felt like she really KNEW me through the conversations we had, the activities she planned for us and the family, and the gifts she gave.

She took me on my first roller coaster (Twister II, Elitch Gardens) and to Cabo for my 21st birthday where I’m sure she’s the one who pushed me to dance on the stage at the Coco Bongo show. But she was also a listening ear through some of my tough breakups - giving me a kind of balanced love and advice that was unique to her.

She was giving. She gave the funniest Christmas gifts (the tampon tree and toilet paper). She always had a pair of shoes she got at DSW that she was ready to pass down to me.

She loved food - to eat it and to make it. I heard about so many “FABULOUS” meals. Before I moved to San Francisco she took me and my boyfriend to Boudin’s restaurant in Fishermans Warf in a limo. With so many amazing restaurants in the city (none really worthy of a limo, but still) she took me here cause she knew how much I loved Sourdough bread. Her and Meredith in the kitchen during holidays always brought me so much joy and comfort. Baked brie, muddled blueberry vodka lemonades, homemade chai, fresh bread and rolls galore. And always cheesecake with pistachios baked into the crust - her secret touch that she passed onto me. And even though I had to call her every holiday to have her re-send me the recipe she feigned frustration but I knew she was happy I was keeping the cheesecake tradition alive.

She was so special and her role and spirit as part of our family unit will be so missed. She worked hard for herself, to take care of her parents, her family and friends, and to be both serious and then never serious at the same time. I love her dearly and will miss her sooo much.