BATAVIA – Kathleen D. “Kate” Martin, 64, of West Batavia, passed away peacefully at home on Friday (Sept. 23, 2016) with her family by her side after a short battle with cancer.
She was born March 26, 1952 in Batavia, the daughter of the late Clayton J. and Dorothy Riter Martin.
Surviving are her brothers Richard C. and Donald A. Martin, of West Batavia, an Aunt, Eleanor Bartz of Joplin, Mo., and many cousins.
Kate, as she was known to her many friends, was a 1970 graduate of Pembroke Central School and Genesee Community College. She worked in an office at the college and also at the Salvation Army in the early 1970s and even volunteered as a bell ringer at Christmas. She then found her life’s work at the Batavia VA Medical Center working in several offices and lastly as a voluntary service specialist, retiring in 2010.
She belonged to the Museum Quilt Guild, was treasurer for the local DAR chapter and was a graduate of Leadership Genesee. She enjoyed country music and went to many concerts. She also enjoyed line dancing and square dancing and could be found at many local square dances. Another passion of hers was sewing and playing golf at many local courses. Kate also was secretary for the East Pembroke Cemetery Association, was an election inspector and belonged to the East Pembroke Fire Department Auxiliary. She was an excellent cook and baked many wedding cakes. Kate could be found at many fundraisers for veterans organizations and would help pass out gifts to patients at the VA on Christmas morning and also helped get toys ready to pass out at Christmas for the Salvation Army.
Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the C. B. Beach and Son Mortuary, 4-6 Main St., Corfu. Funeral services will be on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 31 Washington Ave., Batavia.
Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery, East Pembroke.
Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army, Genesee Cancer Assistance or Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, N.Y. 14021.
The family wishes to thank all of her friends who helped out during her illness.
