Mary Martin

Mary Martin passed away peacefully on June 7 at the age of 89 with her children and family at her side. Born in San Basilio, Sicily, on February 8, 1928, to Filippo and Providenza DiMario, she came with them to America at the age of eight. She grew up in Akron where she attended Akron Public Schools and lived her entire adult life. Once, while riding the bus, she complained to a friend that a young man was winking at her and blowing her kisses. It turned out that young man, John R. (Roy) Martin, was her friend's brother. A few of the kisses landed and they were married at St. Martha's Catholic Church on November 27, 1948. They spent 46 wonderful and loving years together raising their children, enjoying their grandchildren and traveling before he passed away in 1994. Mary Martin was a special woman immensely proud of her Sicilian heritage and dedicated to her family and to her Catholic faith. She was small but strong with a quick smile and laugh. She spoke honestly and openly about what she believed and judged others by their kindness not their accomplishments. Her career was taking care of her family but she worked as a hairdresser when she was young and also for the M. O'Neil Company. In her later years, she enjoyed working with her friends at Great Western Reserve. Preceded in death by her parents, husband and sister Diana, she is survived by her son John R. Martin III and daughter Judith (Michael) Jansen; granddaughter Jenny (Chris) Durbin; grandson Michael (Joy) Jansen; great-grandchildren Mirabelle, Eliza, Charlie and Elaine; sister Josephine Johnson; 28 nieces and nephews, caregiver Ellen Jansen and loving dog Bella. All who were fortunate enough to spend time in Mary's company loved her, especially John's and Judy's friends whom she watched over and lovingly counseled. Friends may pay their respects Monday 4-7 pm at Hummel Funeral Home, 3475 Copley Rd. Copley. Mass of Christian burial will be Tuesday 9:30 am at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, 476 Mull Ave., Akron with interment at Hillside Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Heart Association or The National Kidney Foundation.