Martha Travis Leeney

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Martha Ann Travis Leeney on February 1, 2026 in Dallas, Texas at the age of 84. She is preceded in death by her husband of 34 years, Joseph E. Leeney.

Martha was born on February 23, 1941 in Dallas, Texas to Floyd and Virgie Travis. She grew up in Oak Cliff, along with her brothers Joe Travis and Ray Travis.

She is survived by her son Vincent Martin, wife Dew Martin and grandson Connor Martin; daughters Sherry Martin and Vicki Martin; sisters-in-law Trung Travis and Joy Travis; and nieces Kay Polk and Lynne Travis.

Martha graduated from Sunset High School and then attended business school. She went on to start her lengthy career with the government in the Department of Defense, starting as a secretary and rising to Contract Administrator. Both she and her husband, who also worked with the Department of Defense, retired early.

Besides enjoying occasional travel with her husband, Martha was an avid reader. She also enjoyed history, politics and especially her faith. As a lifelong animal lover, she spent a great deal of time working with local cat rescue groups. There are untold numbers of families who benefitted from her tireless desire to find homes for her rescued cats. She often kept the most sick and vulnerable cats herself.

Martha was a second degree brown belt in Taekwondo, and never lost her love for the martial arts. She supported the Dallas Police Department as a Volunteer in Patrol for her neighborhood, along with her husband. She had a quick wit and was fiercely protective of her family. She was supported in her health journey by numerous friends, family and neighbors, for which she was eternally grateful.

A mass will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 11:00am. Afterwards, she will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband at Calvary Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to local animal rescue groups or groups for Parkinson’s Research.