Martha Maclay Pauly

October 20, 1953 – April 1, 2025

Martha Maclay Pauly, 71, of Falls Church, Virginia, passed away unexpectedly from a blood infection and sepsis on April 1, 2025, at INOVA Fairfax Hospital. She was surrounded by the love of family in her final moments.

Born in Washington, D.C., Martha spent most of her life in Northern Virginia. She earned a degree in education from the University of Maine at Orono and went on to serve the Commonwealth of Virginia as a Licensing Inspector for the Department of Social Services, working to ensure the safety of children and quality daycare for countless families.

A fierce advocate for adults living with congenital heart disease, Martha dedicated herself to raising awareness of the condition that claimed the life of her beloved son, Andrew Paukstitus, at age 30, in 2016. She continued to volunteer in a variety of roles for the Adult Congenital Heart Association in his memory. In addition, she spent time volunteering at Inova Children’s Hospital.

Martha was a lifelong singer with a vibrant love for music. In the 1970s, she sang in a local band, and throughout her life, music remained a constant source of joy and connection. In retirement, she continued to share her voice as a soprano in the Encore Rocks chorus, embracing her passion alongside others in her community.

Martha cherished her many happy days with friends and family (and large dogs) at her Lake Anna home, affectionately known as "Martharitaville," a special gathering place where all visitors became family. She was curious and a great lover of books. She had a sharp intelligence, a welcoming nature, and was always a great companion. Her warmth, wit, and generous spirit was a great blessing to all who were fortunate to know her.

She is survived by her daughter, Megan Paukstitus, a cardiac ICU nurse currently living in San Diego; her brother, Edward Pauly, his wife, Barbara Turvett, and their daughter, Alexandra Pauly, all of New York City.

Martha’s beloved dogs, Henry and Hattie, will be relocating to New Orleans with Megan this January as she begins a new chapter training to become a CRNA.

A celebration of Martha’s life will be held on May 18, 2025, at Northside Social in Falls Church, VA, from 1–4 p.m. The family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Martha’s memory to the Adult Congenital Heart Walk taking place on May 17th: Team Pauk

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