Martha "Marti" Ellen Kolenski

March 22, 1938 – March 8, 2022

Marti was born in Mattoon, Ill on March 22, 1938 to Omar Clifton ‘Kip’ and Mary Freda (Dolson) Weaver. She was an only child, but surrounded by family who loved her very much.

Marti was raised in rural Mattoon. One of her favorite childhood memories were of her pet rabbits and beagles; which she showed in local competitions and won many ribbons. Her father Kip raised animals in their backyard and always taught Marti how to handle them. Her mother Freda grew the vegetables & flowers in an incredible garden, and likely where she learned her love of gardening. Marti also lived her entire childhood across the street from her Grandparents Andrew Jackson & Clara Belle (Fisher) Weaver. She shared many cherished memories, and said how loved them both so much. She also was raised around her favorite Aunt Mae, who took her shopping and shared lunches at Young’s Department store, where Mae managed the lingerie department for 32 years. Marti also spent many summers with cousins on her Uncle Henry and Aunt Opal’s farm in nearby Amish Country.

As a young girl, she and her family were in the lobby of a hotel in Mattoon, Ill. Little Martha was sitting on the hotel restaurant where a man sitting near her struck up conversation. He was doodling on a piece of hotel stationary, and when he departed he handed her the paper, on it was an early sketch of Disney’s Pluto, drawn by one of Pluto’s creators. She cherished this drawing her whole life.

Marti attended school in Mattoon until her graduation in 1955.

While attending a local USO dance, Marti was “saved” by a young GI from grasp of another slightly inebriated soldier. He whisked her onto the dance floor and the rest is history. Only a few months later, Marti married Eugene Charles Kolenski, a young Airman from Philadelphia, Pa. They honeymooned in Niagara Falls. This union would change her life forever, allowing her to travel across the United States several times during his 22 year career with the U.S. Air Force.

Marti and Gene were stationed in Savannah, GA: where Kellie Lynn (1960) and Kara Lee (1961) were born, Mattoon, IL: where Kathy Jean (1965) was born, and Glasgow, MT: where Kristi Ann (1966) was born.

Several duty stations in between, before settling in Sacramento. Marti was a stay at home mom before returning to the work force as a secretary for a local heavy equipment company for a few years; before accepting a civilian secretarial position with the Sacramento Army National Guard. Marti remained in the position until her retirement in 2005. Marti and Gene loved to travel and enjoyed adventures to the coast, Yellowstone and Hawaii. Prior to her retirement, she and Gene purchased their dream cabin property in Jackson, Ca. where they enjoyed many years until Gene’s passing in November 2001. Marti remained on the mountain until it just got too cold for her and she returned to Sacramento for a few years. As her health declined she moved to Southern California with her daughter Kara and son in law Nick Morin, where she lived happily until her passing.

As a Mom of four daughters, Marti enjoyed a life with many adventures; attending art shows with Kellie, many great meals at favorite restaurants and dancing to the oldies with Kara. She and Kathy could not pass up a garage sale or craft fair, both were very crafty. All the ‘girlie’ things were left to her time with Kristi, and she enjoyed this very much. She was there for her girls, always doing her best to mediate, which wasn’t easy. She had a warmth about her that made you want to talk to her. She was truly loved.

Marti loved ice cream with cherries and chocolate or a pineapple milkshake, and would have either anytime, anywhere. She loved to eat out and became a ‘regular’ at several restaurants. She was always kind to those who served her, and quickly became a favorite customer to many. If she had leftovers, they always went to someone less fortunate.

Marti looked forward to the holidays, mostly because they meant being with family. She and Gene loved it when family came home, and as their family grew, they enjoyed it even more.

Marti loved football, and especially loved her cherished San Francisco 49ers. She was a true fan and had the apparel to prove it. Good thing she looked fabulous in red.

Marti loved researching family history, and spent years and years researching her family’s lineage. This search led her all the way to her ancestors who fought during the American Revolution. She used that research to become a long standing member of the Daughters of the American Revolution’s Chapter in Jackson, Ca.

Marti loved music and she was a fantastic dancer. When her dementia started taking over, we would turn on her favorite music and hold her in our arms and dance. Even when walking was difficult, somehow the music made her glide, and she was happy.

Marti was a wonderful dresser, always matching. When she was in the workforce, she matched from her head to her shoes (she loved shoes). It was a highlight when her daughter Kristi gifted her the opportunity to have her ‘colors’ done, where she found out ‘her colors’, but really, she just looked good in everything. Even when she could no longer choose for herself, we made sure she matched and felt beautiful everyday…from her head to her shoes.

She was a loving daughter, devoted wife and mother, doting grandmother and great grandmother. A trusted friend, a diehard 49er’s fan, and loyal patriot.

There were several people who helped us with Marti, through her final years and days - when she needed it the most. We want to specifically thank two amazing women, Tammy and Yesenia, for showing her so much compassion and dignity, and especially for the love they gave…with no boundaries. Our friend Valeria, who showed her unconditional kindness and always brought her flowers during the last years of her life. Her longtime financial counselor and friend Kevin Wong, who always cared and helped her in so many ways.

Marti is preceded in death by her husband, Eugene (Gene), and youngest daughter Kristi. She is survived by three of her daughters and their families: Kellie (Mike McGraw) Kolenski, Kara (Nick) Morin, Kathy (Jack) Foltz, and four grandchildren; Joseph Trudel Jr., Sara Trudel, Austyn Randolph, and Haley Randolph, and six great-grandchildren, Joseph L. Trudel, Taylor Randolph, Arya Randolph, Elivia Howland, Alexander Howland, and Lainey Wyatt.

A short Viewing will take place at Miller-Jones Mortuary located at 26855 #A Jefferson Ave., Murrieta, CA 92562 on Saturday, 9 April, 2022 from 1pm – 1:45pm.