Janet R. Martin

With great sadness, the Martin Family announces the passing of Janet Ruth Martin. Janet was a beautiful, kind-hearted woman whose grace, strength, faith, and courage were admired by all. Janet died in St. Luke’s Hospital in Bethlehem, PA after succumbing to cancer. Her loving husband of 58 years, Kenneth Martin Jr., was by her side.

Due to the pandemic, the funeral and services will be for immediate family only. However, a Memorial Service celebrating Janet’s life will be held on May 23, 2021 at the Livingston United Methodist Church where all are welcome.

Janet was 76 years old and the proud mother of 4 children, 9 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren, all of whom loved her dearly. She was generous with her time and her spirit. She helped and touched the lives of many people---the world is truly a better place because she lived.

Janet was born on May 23, 1944 in Orange, New Jersey to Ruth and Harold Liebenow. She had 3 siblings, her beloved late brother Richard Liebenow, her loving sister, Susan Cappucci, and her adored brother, John Liebenow. Janet married the love of her life, Kenneth V. Martin Jr., on August 31, 1962. Their union was blessed with 4 children, Kenneth Martin III, Karen McKenna, Kathleen Caputo, and Kristina Schulman.

Janet was a lifelong resident of Livingston where she raised her family and lived until 2019, when she moved to Easton, PA, to live next to her daughter and son-in-law, Kristina and Alan Schulman. There, she became a member of the Green Pond United Methodist Church.

Janet was greatly motivated by her faith and was an active member of the Livingston United Methodist Church where she served in many capacities including as a member of its Board of Trustees, the Pastor Parish Relations Committee, and the Priscilla knitting circle which made blankets, hats, gloves, and prayer shawls for the homeless, babies, and many others. Janet regularly prepared communion, coordinated Advent decorating, volunteered at the community food bank, assisted with roast beef dinners, Christmas pageants, and coffee hour. She was a leader in the combined activities of the Methodist Church with the Presbyterian Church. Additionally, she delivered Motor Meals and volunteered at the Horizon School in Livingston. If there was work to be done, Janet was always there---as long as it could be done without fanfare.

Janet was adored by her loving husband Ken for her love of their family, her compassion, and her beauty. She was deeply respected and dearly loved by her 4 children who are grateful for the strength, and steadfast love she provided to them. Janet was a wonderful mother.

Janet was predeceased by her mother and father, Ruth and Harold Liebenow, loving brother Richard and precious grandchildren Kailey Janet Caputo and Kevin Richard McKenna. Janet is survived by her loving, devoted husband Kenneth V. Martin Jr, her sister Susan (Louis) Cappucci, brother John (Kathy) Liebenow, her sister-in-law Doris Liebenow, her four cherished children Kenneth (Lin) Martin III, Karen McKenna (Steve Mate), Kathleen (Eddie) Caputo, and Kristina (Alan) Schulman, as well as her beloved grandchildren Stephanie and Richard Martin, Reginald (Amanda) McKenna, Jr., Kristin McKenna (Tori Lam), Ryan McKenna (Megan Harris), Anthony Buccieri (Amanda Deppa) and Matthew Buccieri (Alexandra Berdej).

Janet was blessed with two great-grandchildren, Tara Janet and Reggie McKenna III who absolutely adored their precious Gigi.

The Martin family will dearly miss their matriarch. In Janet’s honor, donations can be made to Livingston United Methodist Church, 290 West Hobart Gap Rd., Livingston, NJ 07039, or to the Community Food Bank. Checks for the food bank should be made payable to “The Bistro” and should be sent in c/o the Presbyterian Church of Livingston, 271 West Northfield Rd., Livingston, NJ 07039.