Obituary of Kathleen Ida Martin

Kathleen Ida Martin, 85, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2017 with her family and her caregivers at her side. Born June 5, 1931 in Buffalo, NY, Kathleen was the loving daughter of the late Francis Darwin Murphy and Margaret Schmidt Murphy. Most of Kathleen's life was spent in Buffalo where she graduated from East High School and then received her Bachelor's degree in Art and a Master's in Elementary Education from Buffalo State College. She was married on November 22, 1952 at Camp Breckinridge, KY (US Army) to Eugene (Gene) Martin, to whom she remained married for 64 years. After raising her three children, Kathleen taught at Smallwood Elementary School in Amherst, NY. She also substituted for the district's elementary schools teaching all subjects, including art and music. Prior to raising her family she was a Kindergarten teacher at Fort Benning, GA during the Korean Conflict. In retirement, Kathleen and Gene traveled extensively with their many close friends and spent winters in Bradenton, FL and summers in Cassadaga, NY. In later years they moved to Guilderland, NY. Survivors include her husband Gene; her sons, Keith Daniel Martin of Clifton Park and Brian David Martin, wife Julie Bartle Martin of Stone Ridge, NY and four cherished grandchildren: Sarah and Taylor Disbury and Paris and Liam Martin. Kathleen is also survived by several cousins and many loving nieces, nephews and their families. She was predeceased by her daughter Amy Kathleen Disbury, NP, in 2015 and her brother, Lt. Daniel Francis Murphy (USN) who died while in service to his country. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Rd. on Weds. April 5th from 4:00pm to 7:00pm, followed immediately by a short remembrance and prayer service with Rev. Stewart Pattison officiating. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorial contributions may be made in Kathleen’s name to Hamilton Union Presbyterian Church, 2291 Western Ave., Guilderland, NY. A graveside committal service will be held in The Buffalo Cemetery, Cheektowaga, NY at a later date. Online condolences may be expressed to the Martin Family at GLENVILLEFUNERAL HOME.COM.