Martha Livingston

Martha (Foreman) Livingston of Willoughby, Ohio died peacefully in her sleep on February 27, 2024, after a century of shared love and laughter. She was 100 and had recently celebrated the milestone with family and friends near and far. Born in Somerset, Penn. on January 28, 1924, to George and Lola (White) Foreman, and raised in nearby Saxton, Martha was a gifted student and musician from childhood. She read every book in sight, and mastered singing, the piano, and the trombone by age 18. Upon graduation from Indiana State Teachers College in 1945, petite Martha married tall George Livingston, her hometown beau. The couple raised two children in Willoughby, where Martha was the picture of a loving mother and taught music at the local elementary schools. For decades, the Willoughby United Methodist Church was the lucky recipient of her musical talents and devotion to growing their community and deepening her relationship with God. Martha’s natural curiosity of and appreciation for the learned and natural worlds lasted a lifetime. Introducing her family to her favorite French painters, Russian and German composers, and PBS history, nature, and genealogy programs were a must, as was exploring the nearby Metro Parks and bird sanctuary. She loved to travel through books and TV, and in person—even journeying to Kilkenny, Ireland with her daughter to explore their roots. In retirement, she and George golfed; vacationed in Europe, Hawaii, and the Caribbean; and welcomed the family home for holidays and summer breaks. To her four grandchildren, Grandma Livingston was unmatched: The maker of countless cookies, pies, and meatloaves; the giggliest reader and moviegoer; the most knowledgeable admirer of flowers and paper weights; the most energetic art museum and duck pond guide; and the most thoughtful card and letter writer. In her final years, Martha read thousands of novels and watched hundreds of educational programs. Her greatest delights were measuring the height of an amaryllis in bloom and being with her family—marveling in their adventures, and spurring them on to do, be, and see more. At last, Martha has joined her beloved George in Heaven, as well as her parents; sister, Patricia (Foreman) Ross; and son-in-law, John Burson. Martha leaves behind her loving family: son Stephen Livingston and his wife Cheryl Jones; daughter Susan (Livingston) Burson; grandchildren Jeffrey Livingston and his wife Rita Mercado, Beth Burson, Ben Burson, and Kristin Livingston; and her “dumpling”, great-grandson Jacoby Livingston. Cherished extended family and dear friends at Ohio Living Breckenridge Village also mourn her passing. A private service will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to the Willoughby United Methodist Church, 15 E. Spaulding Street, Willoughby, OH 44094. Oh, let the Son of God enfold you with his Spirit and his love. Let him fill your heart and satisfy your soul.

Tributes

Martha Livingston

January 28, 1924 - February 27, 2024