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1940 Mary 2024

Mary Lou (Stuber) Martin

February 29, 1940 — July 10, 2024

HERKIMER - Mary Lou (Stuber) Martin, age 84, of Herkimer, N.Y., peacefully passed away, at Valley Health Services, on July 10, 2024, after a long and fulfilling life. Mary Lou had the love, encouragement and support of her family at the time of her passing. She will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by all those who loved her. Several of her children and her sons-in-law Rick and Scott were with her during her ascension into heaven.

Mary Lou was a Leap year baby born on Feb. 29, 1940, and was constantly teased about being able to have her first legal drink on February 29, 2024, after her 21st birthday! She was the daughter of John and Mary Stuber and grew up on Steuben St., in Utica, with her two sisters, Carol and Diane. Mary Lou was educated at Utica schools.

Mary Lou married Charles Barker Martin, Sr., on St. Patrick’s Day, in 1962, wearing her favorite color green. She went on to bring eleven blessed children into this world: Joanne, Cheri, Trish, Kim, Mary Lou, Christine, Charles, John, Katherine, Donald and Karen.

Her children were her greatest legacy. She always said, “I love you” gave hugs and took her children everywhere with her when they were younger. She was ever-present in their lives and their best friend in life. She will be remembered by many as a resilient woman who did the best she could for her family with what she had and what she knew. “I will be your biggest fan. I will be your protector. I will always defend you. I will be your friend. I will be your confidant. I will always be proud of you. I will love you unconditionally, because always and forever I will be your mother.”

She valued family more than anything and kept track of everyone through visits, cards and calls. Her home was full of pictures of family and she would update everyone who came to visit. Her heart was given entirely to her children. Throughout her 84 years on earth, she saw beauty in everything and everyone around her. Mary Lou was a deeply devoted mother and loved staying home to take care of her children and grandchildren. She loved to knit and was always knitting a blanket for her great-grandchildren as well. She also loved gardening and tending to her flowers. Lily of the Valley was one of her favorites. Her favorite feline companion was her “Cuddles.” When not with her cat, she enjoyed watching Animal Planet and enjoyed all the animals on the show.

Quoting her daughter Karen: “Mary Lou ‘Ma Barker’’ went home to Jesus yesterday. I am sad, yet I am comforted knowing she was born again and is rejoicing in Heaven with my sister Cheri and her cat. She loved the Lord and walked as an example of what it is like to be Christ-like. She forgave quickly and often. Our house was always open to all her 11 children’s friends. She fed the valley. She was kind to everyone. She was wise and always gave the best advice, even if you didn’t want to hear it. No matter what was going on or the hardships she was facing, she would always say, ‘Life’s Good!’ love you Mom, I hope they have hairbrushes in heaven.

Mary Lou’s life-long passion was cooking. She enjoyed cooking for everyone and there was always an empty chair and plenty of food for whomever her children brought home. Spaghetti sauce was her favorite and a good grilled hot dog. She also enjoyed baking and giving the fruits of her labor to her loved ones at holiday time. Her homemade fudge and pumpkin bread will be missed by her family members. Despite the hardships in her life Mary Lou was always the first to contribute and donate to others in need during catastrophic disasters.

She was predeceased by her parents, John and Mary Steuber; a cherished daughter, Cheryl Ann Nelson; husband, Charles Barker Martin Sr. and his twin brother, James Martin; her sister, Carol Abel; and her brother-in-law, Richard Abel.

She is survived by her children and grandchildren: Joanne Valentine (Steve & Alexis), Cheri’s children (Jackie, Lawrence, David, Marisol and Emily), Patricia Martin (Chris Seariac), Kimberly Jaquay (Eric Sr. and Eric Jr., Tiffany, Alicia and Monique), Mary Lou Herringshaw (Frank & Matthew, Alexander and Nicolas), Christine Zaccaria (Rick and Rick, Jr., Tia and Chelsey), Charles Martin, Jr. and Marina and James), John Martin (Nancy Lutz and Zachary and Joshua), Katherine Cortez (McKayla and Ruben), Donald Martin (Missy Knapp and Jayde, Aubrey and Derek), Karen Crouse (Scott & Travis and Gwen). She also leaves behind 23 great-grandchildren; several granddaughter and grandson in laws; along with several nieces and nephews.

“Mother, you left us beautiful memories, your love is still our guide, although we cannot see you, you’re always at our side.”

The family would like to send a sincere thank you to all of the staff at Valley Health Services who contributed to the good health and happiness our mother experienced at your facility over the years. To our family and friends both near and far, we appreciate your prayers and support during this most challenging time.

Calling hours will be held at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 220 N. Washington St., Herkimer, on Monday, July 15th, from 4-7 p.m. A Church Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, July 16th, at the New Life Church & Ministry Center, 337 Protection Ave., Herkimer at 10 a.m. Then a Cemetery Committal Service will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Herkimer.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Herkimer County Humane Society, 514 NY-5S, Mohawk, NY 13407, in honor of her love for animals.

Arrangements have been made with the Enea, Ciaccia & Applegate Funeral Directors (315) 866-1011.

An online message of sympathy may be delivered by visiting www.eneafamily.com on the Internet.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Mary Lou (Stuber) Martin, please visit our flower store.

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