Martha was introduced to me many years ago as the “funny” aunt, implying that of a group of hilarious sisters, her “funny” stood out. And in her own special way, it did.

She relayed stories of clothing mishaps, errors in judgement (not hers, of course), and general mayhem that led to outcomes both jaw-dropping and riotously funny all at once. Her self-deprecating humor made her escapades both relatable and funny.

She sent little happies regularly if she saw something that reminded her of you. I have prints, pretty scarves, an Indian headdress, and several chapter long texts from her.

Probably what I enjoyed most was her photos and uplifting cards when I had my own breast cancer. We talked and wrote about how that perspective changes someone and since our diagnosis were very similar, she was my unofficial guide through the second worst time in my life. And as expected, she was pragmatic, vaguely sarcastic, bluntly honest, and still made me laugh when I needed someone desperately to understand and tell me it was OK.

She and I talked about her pine trees and the wind, the birds, the pine cones, and the creatures that nest therein. I have one lone pine tree on my property and I named her Martha and sent Aunt Martha pictures and pine cones from her. I told her the tree was just like her; sort of a pain in the a&@, right in the middle of the way, living exuberantly and standing out.

But that pine tree has a soft hollow in the ground on the south side where the soft bed of pine needles fall and some deer sleep there, sheltered and safe. Opossums snuggle under the needles and raccoons pick up fallen pine cones and cart them off. Also around Martha and the hollow are 5 or so oak trees also helping Martha shelter the hollow and sway in the bay breezes with her. I call them The Sisters and I feel safe and happy when I am close to that hollow. It is similar to how I always have viewed the Lenamon sisters, all different, exceptionally talented, sometimes bumping into each other, but you were always safe with them and their bonds are unbreakable.

I’ll miss Martha and her crazy stories, blunt advice, c’est la vie attitude, and her her antics but I’ll never forget her. I’ll keep the pine cone she shared on my kitchen window forever.

Much love to all. 

I'm very sorry to hear of Martha's passing.  She was always very nice and sweet to me and my family.  My condolences to Mackenzie, Mary and the rest of the family who were there with her over the past several years.  She will be missed but not forgotten.

The photo of Martha and her fantastic smile is exactly how I remember her. I worked for her at First Texas Savings/Gibraltar Savings, first on the conversion team, and later in the Service Quality group. To say we had fun at work would be a huge understatement. Martha made every day, even the tough ones, enjoyable. I never remember a day where I dreaded going to work.  I’m proud to say I was a member of “Martha and the Vandellas”! Although I hadn’t seen her face to face in some time, we stayed in touch on social media, and for that I am thankful. Sending love, hugs and prayers to Mackenzie, Martha’s sisters and all of her family as they navigate through this sad time. 

Aunt Martha was as much of an enigma as she was an arms wide open lovable person. I remember her battle with cancer and the resolution, strategy, and sheer grit she put out. She was an invaluable touchstone for me when my own cancer came.

Her stories were side splitting hilarious and she was self-deprecating in a way that only a person with great confidence in their abilities may be.

I have items from Martha I treasure but my greatest is this giant pine that shelters all the creatures under it that I named Martha. She is surrounded by sturdy oaks that are her family and friends and it is a reminder to love fiercely while you can and hold your loved ones close.

I love you, Martha, and all the sisters and family. So much. Please be at peace because Martha is.

Dear Mary and Family, I send my sincere condolences on the passing of Martha. I was blessed to know Martha through my husband Jeff and our friend Tim Pool. The Bank gatherings  were always  so much more fun because Martha was there. She was the funniest and kindest lady I've ever known. I remember her being of very proud of her family and sisters...and Mackenzie was the light of her life. She will be missed by all who knew her.