Martha "Marty" Brinkman

Martha “Marty” Louise Brinkman, age 72, died on June 10, 2025, after a courageous, years long battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). Despite the debilitating nature of this rare disease, Marty kept her kind heart, strength of character, beautiful nature, brilliant sense of humor and love for her family. Her remarkable courage and gentle nature touched many people throughout her life. She was loved by many and leaves our world slightly more sorrowful and diminished by her parting.

Marty was born April 28, 1953, to George and Beatrice Johnson. She attended Immaculate Conception School and Bishop Watterson High School. She was a graduate of Bowling Green State University and held a master’s degree from the Ohio State University. In 1974, she married her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Dale Brinkman. Together they embarked on a loving and joyful journey over their 50 years of marriage. They shared their inspiring love story with their three wonderful daughters and five grandchildren who witnessed a marriage that exemplified a true lifetime partnership and unconditional dedication to one another through both the good times and those that were more challenging.

Marty was a retired middle school teacher in Worthington, Ohio and an active school volunteer throughout her daughters’ education. She served in numerous religious, charitable and professional organizations including Phi Upsilon Omicron, Christ Child Society, Saint Martha’s Giving Circle, the McConnell Art Center, and the Junior League. She was also active in her church, serving as a Eucharistic minister, lector and member of the parish council. While she enjoyed all these roles, her most prominent one was being a devoted mom who was the heart and soul of a strong, loving family. She was adored by her husband and three daughters who were incredibly blessed to have her unwavering support in all they did.

Marty was preceded in death by her parents, George and Beatrice Johnson, her parents-in-law, Harry and Jean Brinkman, and her brother-in-law, Dean Brinkman. She is survived by her husband, Dale, her daughters, Marin (David) Murray, Lauren (Jacob) Benedict and Kelsey Brinkman; her grandchildren, Xavier, Avalyn and Dominic Murray, and Maya and Reagan Benedict; her sisters, Diane (Frank) Jenkins, Jane (Gregg) Eden and Rosemary (Bruce) Kurek; her brothers-in-law Barry (Patricia) Brinkman, Michael (Erin) Brinkman and Patrick Brinkman; and many nieces and nephews.

Her family would like to thank the many wonderful people who served and supported her throughout her battle with PSP including: her doctor, Bill Gegas, her caregivers, Karen, Anne, Beth and Trish; the staff of Luminary Hospice, particularly Christina, Char, Courtney and Missy; and the staff and members of the Ohio Health Neuroscience Wellness Center.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in memory of Marty to the Neuroscience Wellness Center c/o the OhioHealth Foundation at 3430 OhioHealth Pkwy, Columbus, Ohio 43202 or online at giving.ohiohealth.com/neurowellness and then direct your gift to Neuroscience Wellness Center Accessibility.

Marty’s family will receive friends from 4pm to 7pm on Monday, June 16, 2025, at Schoedinger Worthington, 6699 N. High Street. Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 10am at Our Lady of Peace Church, 20 E. Dominion Blvd., Columbus.