Martha A. Smith

Norwalk, Ohio – Martha A. Smith, 82, a lifelong resident of Norwalk, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 24, 2019 at Stein Hospice Care Center.  She was born on May 21, 1937 in Mansfield, Ohio and was at St. Anthony’s Orphanage before being legally adopted by her parents, Walter and Rose (Sattig) Mathews.  Martha was a 1955 graduate of St. Paul High School.  She married the love of her life, Leo Smith, on August 4, 1956.   They spent 63 wonderful years together.

Martha worked at Norwalk Furniture in the Order Department, and owned the Invention Restaurant in Milan, with her husband, Leo, for 18 years.  Leo and Martha were a team, together they also owned Martha’s Catering for 28 years, and Martha was always willing to lend a hand on the farm.  Upon retirement, Martha volunteered at St. Paul’s Festival, cooking for over 20 years. She helped organize and run the festival with Leo for many years as well.  She was also part of the, “heavenly dusters” church cleaning team, and had participated in over 20 senior retreats.  After her many years of service, in 2014, Martha was inducted into the St. Paul Hall of Fame.  She was also a Fisher-Titus Hospital Auxiliary volunteer, and past President. 

Martha enjoyed traveling, especially to Poinsettia Park, Florida in the winter months, and on bus trips with friends from Hunter’s Glen. She also loved card club and playing keyboard. She was the assistant resident activities director at Norwalk Memorial Home where she was a resident for two years.  Martha  was proud to earn the titles of “2019 Norwalk Memorial Home Queen” and “2019 Huron County Senior Queen” of the Huron County Fair.

She is survived by her loving husband, Leo; children, Robert (Nancy) Dilger, David (Marla) Smith, Patricia (Jack) O’Neil, Jeanette Mack, Joseph Smith, and Dr. Gregory (Amy) Smith; 18 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; brothers in-law, Eugene (Barb) Smith and Robert (Chris) Smith; sisters in-law, Loretta Vargo and Joyce (Larry) Jones, and by many nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her mother, Rose Mathews; father, Walter Mathews; sister, Olive Kieffer and brother, Michael Sutter and brother in law Donald Vargo.   

Friends may call on Sunday, October 27, 2019 from 3:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. in Walker-Eastman-Heydinger Funeral Home, 98 W. Main St. Norwalk, Ohio.  A funeral mass will be held on Monday, October 28, 2019 at 10:30 am at St. Paul Catholic Church, 91 E. Main St., Norwalk, Ohio with Msgr. Kenneth Morman and Fr. Andrew Wellmann officiating.  Interment will follow in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Monroeville, Ohio.  Memorial contributions if desired may be made to FCEDO (Firelands Catholic Economic Development Office), 93 East Main St., Norwalk, Ohio 44857.  Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.walkereastmanheydingerfh.com.

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