Catherine Elizabeth Martinez

Catherine Elizabeth (Betty) Martinez of Willow Springs went to join the Lord on Friday, September 15, 2017 in the early morning. She died peacefully at home with her family at her side. She was born in Paterson , NJ on October 27, 1928 to John and Helen (Gibb) Mohrle; she was 88 years old. She grew up in Paterson and worked at the young age of 16 at Wright Manufacturing, during the war. Her older brother, Eddie, would often invite his sailor friends, who were on leave and had no place to stay, to their house. It was not unusual for Betty to wake up and find their living room filled with sailors. Her mother would feed them, and she frequently did their laundry and ironed their uniforms. When the war ended in 1945, she and her cousin, Mary celebrated in Times Square . Betty also worked for Bell Telephone as an operator, and was known to play matchmaker between her girl friends and the sailors. She met one particular sailor who got her attention who was a close friend of her brother. It was Betty who after much convincing finally persuaded her mother that her brother, Eddie was old enough to get married. When her mother finally agreed, she then told her it was going to be a double wedding and a double wedding it was. She married Manuel (Smiley) Martinez shortly after her eighteenth birthday in 1947. To this union three children were born; John Henry, Helen Lucille, and Catherine Elizabeth. She was a resident of Midland Park , NJ for more than forty years before moving to Holiday , FL. She was preceded in death by her parents; her step father, Henry Sanders; her husband, and her granddaughter, Jerilyn Normandia. She is survived by her three children; John and his husband, Robert Steven vanKeuren of San Diego, CA; Helen and Tom Skinner of Willow Springs; Catherine and Michael Normandia of Lewes, DE; five grandchildren; Anthony DiGregorio of Willow Springs; Nicole (DiGregorio) and Yassin Saleh of Clearwater, FL; Gina DiGregorio of Port Richey, FL; Michael Normandia, and Danielle Normandia of Irvine, CA . Further survivors include three step grandchildren; Joseph Skinner and his wife Jennifer of Manchester, NH; Andrew Skinner and his wife, Cheyenne, of Willow Springs; and David Skinner, also of Willow Springs, as well as several nephews and cousins. Betty loved reading, knitting, crocheting and to travel. She had a kind and generous spirit, and always had a smile for everyone. She became a permanent resident of Willow Springs in 2013 when she moved from Florida to live with her daughter and son-in-law. She joined the St. Paul Lutheran church and was an active member until her failing health prevented her from attending. She treasured all of her church family who embraced her with love. A family night/visitation will be held Wednesday, September 20, 2017 from 6-8 PM at Willow Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 21st at St. Paul Lutheran Church at 11AM, with Pastor John Helmers officiating. On-line condolences may be left at www.willowspringsfuneralhome.com

Catherine Elizabeth Martinez

October 27, 1928 - September 15, 2017

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Catherine Elizabeth Martinez

October 27, 1928 - September 15, 2017

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Flowers & Gifts

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Grief & Healing

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