Martha Ellen Heller

Martha Ellen Heller, 87, of Charlotte North Carolina, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, January 8th after a courageous 8 year battle with Dementia. Her family and many friends will miss her infectious smile and laughter.

Hers was a life well lived. She was born in 1927, in New Smyrna Beach Florida to Dr. Harry Z. and Ellen (Teats) Silsby. Martha Ellen attended the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York before returning to the warmth of Florida and Graduating from the University of Florida(Gainesville) with a degree in Chemistry. While attending U of F she met and later married her first husband John H. Hook. While married to John, they moved and traveled extensively throughout the United states, and Canada, and lived in over five states. They divorced in 1974.

She married Ralph S. Heller, who was the love of her life. Their marriage has been described as a true Love Match as they both shared a passion for playing tennis; competing in numerous club tournaments. Ralph's career with Tee Pak also enriched her love of traveling as they moved to Europe (Belgium) where they explored many countries including Russia and Morocco during their time overseas. They retired to Lake Toxaway, North Carolina.

From her first marriage Martha Ellen is survived by her three children: her daughters, Ann ( Stanley) Grubb, and Edie (Leo) Yakutis, as well as a son, John Craig Hook. She is also blessed with two step sons Ralph (Marge) Heller and John (Mary) Heller. She is also survived by over 14 grandchildren and six great grandchildren all of whom she adored. Martha Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, her first and second husbands, her brother John Silsby, and stepson, Rick Heller.

While she was not an outstanding cook, Martha Ellen was a consummate homemaker who taught her love of travel, museums, sports, reading and music. She was an imaginative seamstress, making most of her own and her daughters clothing. She was known for her handmade quilts and her obsession with knitting, keeping her family and friends warm in her beautiful creations.

Wherever she lived she became involved in her children’s school activities, and community organizations. Late in life, one of her highlights was being recognized by the Levine Children's Center, and the Palmetto Pregnancy Center for her service of having knitted and donated over 500 pairs of baby booties.

Martha Ellen was most proud of her daughters pursuit of higher education and professional careers outside of the home, something that she was unable to accomplish in the fifties, given expectations of women at the time.

A Celebration of a life Well Lived Memorial service will in held on January 15th at the McEwen Funeral Service Pineville Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to the Palmetto Pregnancy Center.