Gwendolyn “Gwen” Rose Martz, 92, of Jane Lew went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, October 4, 2018 in the comfort of her home. She was born in Seaford, DE, on August 10, 1926, a daughter of the late Robert Oliver Boyce and Lila Friedel Boyce. On March 29, 1952 she married Donald Grim Martz, and they shared just over 52 wonderful years before his passing on June 24, 2004.
Gwen’s faithful and gracious nature will be remembered by two children: Robert Forest Martz and wife, Catherine, of Durham, NC, and Linda Brodwater and husband, William, of Jane Lew; eight grandchildren: Christopher Martz of Los Angeles, CA, Matthew Martz of Greensboro, NC, Kristina Henson and husband, Joseph, of Durham, NC, Carrie Bennett and husband, Michael, of Mountain Home, AR, Laura Brodwater of Taylors, SC, Holly Veldman and husband, Neil, of Plymouth, WI, Whitney Brodwater of Greenville, SC, and William Brodwater IV and wife, Alicia, of Akron, OH; and ten great grandchildren: Karis, Elissa, Raena, Caleb, Titus, Abe, Abby, Zach, Caleb and Kaylie. In addition to her parents and husband, Gwen was preceded in death by five older siblings: Oliver, George and Jimmy Boyce, Mary Eleanor Seals-Evans, and Violet McCarty. Gwen grew up on a farm where her dad grew produce and raised chickens.
This fostered a life-long love of gardening. She loved to adorn her home with fresh cut flowers from the yard. In her younger years, Gwen loved the thrill of adventure and traveling.
She studied cadet nursing at Lees McCrae College and then graduated from Appalachian Teachers College in Boone, NC. As a medical technologist, Gwen worked at Philadelphia General Hospital. When she became a wife she dedicated her life to her family and home.
Her children grew up with the comfort and security of their mother always being in the home. Gwen enjoyed cooking, reading, sewing and playing the piano. She also loved the ocean and walking on the beach.
After 42 years of living in New Jersey, Gwen moved to WV in 2006 to be closer to family and made a home next door to her daughter. She set up housekeeping and attended West Milford Baptist Church. Gwen was often found engrossed in a novel or jigsaw puzzle.
She was excited for family to visit and loved to bake for them. She was content and always optimistic. Gwen’s request for cremation has been honored.
A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at a later date. Gwen would often say she preferred flowers while she was alive. In lieu of sending flowers, the family would prefer that donors plant flowers or a tree in her memory at or near their own homes.
The Pat Boyle Funeral Home and Cremation Service is honored and privileged to serve the family of Gwendolyn “Gwen” Rose Martz. Online condolences may be expressed at www. PatBoyleFuneralHome.com.
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