Martha Kovach

Mrs. Martha Kovach, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, mother-in-law, aunt, and sister, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2025, at the age of 96. Born on July 22, 1928, in Detroit, Michigan, to J. Battista Caruso and Virginia Badalamenti, Martha (“Marty”) lived a life marked by warmth, grace, and an extraordinary ability to make everyone around her feel cherished.

Martha (“Marty”) had a gift for connection. She was the kind of person who remembered the little things — a favorite color, a personal story, a detail from a passing conversation — and used them to make others feel seen and special. Her natural warmth and thoughtfulness touched everyone she met, especially her grandchildren, who adored her deeply.

As a proud Italian woman, Martha (“Marty”) poured her heart into her cooking, crafting every dish from scratch — her legendary meatballs, pasta, beef soup, and rich sauces were family staples. She learned these family staples by cooking with her grandmother, who became her best friend as she grew into adulthood, and her mother. Martha (“Marty”)’s home was always filled with the inviting aroma of a simmering pot and the comforting promise of more than enough for everyone. No one ever left her house without a full stomach and a to-go container. Besides cooking, her famous Italian S cookies were a staple in their household.

Martha (“Marty”)’s storytelling was just as rich as her cooking. Whether recounting tales from her youth or family memories, she had a way of making a person feel as though they were right there with her. She had an undeniable presence — classy, poised, and always put together. A weekly visit to the beauty shop was a ritual, and she carried herself with elegance and pride. Yet, she remained young at heart as she kept up with modern music, delighting in the songs of artists like Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, and Michael Buble. She also enjoyed musicians from when she was a young girl. Artists like Frank Sinatra, Doris Day, Shirley Temple, Tony Bennett, Fred Astaire, Bing Crosby, Dean Martin & Debbie Reynolds, to name a few. Martha (“Marty”) enjoyed reading fashion magazines, like Glamour and Vogue, and also reading the Italian Newspaper since she also could speak and read Italian. Martha (“Marty”) also adored playing the slot machines at the casino, lottery scratch off’s & playing penny poker with family.

Coffee was another of Martha (“Marty”)’s great loves — but only if it was half a cup, and piping hot. If the coffee got cold, it was emptied and refilled halfway with scalding hot coffee, just the way Martha (“Marty”) liked it. And of course, a pastry had to accompany it too. A glass of red wine was also another enjoyed companion, especially during the many gatherings that filled her life with laughter and music.

Music and dancing were woven into the fabric of Martha (“Marty”)’s life. As a young girl, she sang on a radio show in downtown Detroit, and throughout her years, she never lost her love of a good tune. At weddings and family celebrations, she could always be found on the dance floor.

Family was everything to Martha (“Marty”). She treasured her role as a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. Her pride in her family was evident in every word she spoke and every act of love she gave. Her legacy lives on in the stories she told, the recipes she passed down, and the deep love she instilled in all who were lucky enough to know her.

Martha (“Marty”) Kovach was a shining example of how to live with grace, generosity, and style. She will be dearly missed and forever remembered.

Martha (“Marty”) was welcomed into heaven by Jimmie Fileccia, Joseph Kovach, and dear son, Frank Fileccia

She is survived by her adored son, John Kovach; beloved grandchildren, Martha Long and Jimmy Fileccia; cherished Nona to, Stephanie (Will) Constantine, Steven (Alexis) Guy, Kaylin (Brian) Fileccia, Mason Cagalingan, Nathan Baldwin-Guy, Willie Constantine, and Cole Constantine; and loving daughter-in-law, Janis Fileccia

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Blood Cancer Foundation of Michigan (https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E355350&id=1)

A visitation for Martha will be held Saturday, June 7, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM at A.H. Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack Ave, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236. An instate will occur Sunday, June 8, 2025 at 11:30 AM with the funeral to begin at 12:00 PM at A.H. Peters Funeral Home in Grosse Pointe Woods.