Martha Barefoot Mark

Martha Mark as told by her from our memories.

Although Mom had a difficult childhood growing up in her grandmother's home Mom and her parents (William J. Barefoot and Edith Ashworth Barefoot) along with Edith Dieter, Mom’s older sister, her brothers William and Walt were able to make the best of it. Her parents and her siblings have already passed.

Mom would say she enjoyed most of her childhood. One memory was the big anticipation to ride a pony when it would show up, she had a proud picture of her when she was a young girl riding the pony she always smiled as she told the story of finally getting to ride one.

She enjoyed all her schooling, she did well through her years as a student learning to play the violin, speak French (which she could still understand and speak a little to the very end). Sis (another name she was known by) would later in life go on to take college courses at Peirce College and Holy Family College.

Mom was a bit stubborn at times when she stood for something and felt it was right, she would let you know in no uncertain terms. She would tell the story of when she wanted to go to her prom and working at the local 5 &10 she asked for the day off her boss had told her no, and if she went she would be fired, her response was “ok them I’m leaving now and thank you”.

Martha had started a career in banking at the then PNB bank and continued to work there through all the name changes moving up from entry level to an officer at the bank. Mom had worked in the international division for the entire time, she would get frustrated from time to time like any job. Marty (another alias) retired twice from the bank, in total had worked there for 42 years at the age of 82. Overall Mom loved every minute of it and was dedicated to doing the best she could and nothing less.

Mom met Don. She did not go into much detail of the dating relationship. She did say they met at a dance and he loved to dance as did she, she was smitten by his looks and I guess he swept her off her feet. I know they truly loved each other. When having conversations with her about dad, she was hurt by the problems he had later in life, but deep down truly loved him even after he was gone, always said he was a good man. I honestly believe she was looking forward to seeing him again.

Mom had three children Don, Jim, and Janet. She would end up being the main provider and parent in the family home. The love she shared and provided to us is something I hope everyone was able to have, we were truly blessed. Not enough can be said by us about her. Never wavering, always standing and supporting us no matter what we went through, health issues, financial issues, or emotional issues, she was our 911 and always answered.

Mom was also a big supporter of the Phillies, watching every game she could, always commenting on the players and management. Mom was particularly unhappy with the state of the bullpen in recent years, for obvious reasons.

Mom also supported the Eagles in a big way, never missing a game on TV. Always ready to applaud or criticize the team.

Mom also enjoyed a game of pinochle, win or lose, as Grandmom Mark would say, if you don't get the cards you can't win, Mom would say many times she did not have the cards, but was always be ready for the next game.

To summarize, during her lifetime Martha had many encounters and met a lot of people. She had so many friends and close friends with almost everyone she met. All enjoyed the Mom’s personality, her conversation, her intelligence, and being around her. She could light up a room or she could be happy at home alone.

She will have one of those legacies where whenever you’re doing something somewhere along the line you would think oh yeah, remember when mom or Martha did this or that or would have said this.

Thanks Mom

Martha is survived by her beloved children; Donald William Mark (Carolyn G), James E. Mark (Bonnie) and Janet M. Givnin (Kevin). She is also survived by her 8 loving Grandchildren and her 14 Great Grandchildren.

Family will receive relatives and friends on Saturday January 14, 2023 from 10-12 AM at the Walter J. Meyers Funeral Home 507 West Ave. in Jenkintown, PA. A memorial service will start at 12 Noon.

Condolences may be made at www.meyersfh.com