Martha Kastner

Born to Helen (Otis) and Elbert Rosen on March 2, 1941 in Ithaca, New York, she was a beacon of light and warmth, a kind and gentle soul to people and to the communities in which she lived.

She was a cherished member of a large, extended family that included her beloved sister, Lynne (Robert) Lau.

In 1962, she married Lawrence Kastner, marking the beginning of a life filled with love and devotion.

She dedicated her life to rearing family and loved serving as administrator to some of the churches where she lived over the years including St. Elizabeth in Columbus, Ohio, and St. Francis of Assisi in Madison, Mississippi.

Martha loved to have family visit the home and to play games, especially cards. She was a force to be reckoned with if one thought they might out play her. She loved nature and animals and exploring 49 of the 50 states (all but Alaska) over the years with Larry.

She mostly enjoyed giving of her time and goodwill to others throughout her entire life while asking little in return, except maybe to “shut the door behind you, this is not a barn.”

Martha was a devout Catholic and truly lived the life God willed for her without question. She loved attending Mass each week and being active in the church. She stated regularly how blessed she was in this life and that she looked forward to eternal life with the father.

Martha was predeceased by husband Lawrence. She is survived by children and grandchildren she adored: daughter Barbara (Thad) Ray, sons Greg (Brianna) Kastner (Ashley and Andrew) and Mike (Tasha) Kastner (Ben, Nick, Noah), daughter of her heart Judith Vaughn, and many grand-dogs and cats she loved dearly.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, May 25, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Church, 6077 Sharon Woods Blvd., Columbus, OH 43229. Please join the family following the service for a luncheon in memory of Martha.

In lieu of flower, donations in Martha’s memory may be made to the Catholic Diocese of Columbus.

“This is the Lord for whom we have looked; let us rejoice and be glad He has saved us.” Isaiah 25:9