Martha Livingston

Martha Echavarria Livingston, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, cousin, aunt, and friend passed away peacefully with family by her side last Wednesday, August 31st. A Vigil Service will be held on Friday, September 9, 2016 at Snows Memorial on Cherry Street from 5pm until 7pm. Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at St. Joseph Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Scott Winchel officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Macon and the Missionaries of Charity 335 East 145th Street, Bronx, NY 10451.

Martha was born in Mexico City to Salvador Echavarria and Natalia Levin de Echavarria. Her father was a lawyer, writer, university professor and member of the Mexican Society of Scholars. Her mother was an accomplished violinist. Martha was the youngest of three sisters. She, her middle sister, Reina (Reinita), and her older sister, Natalia (Yiyita) were raised in Guadalajara, Mexico with a deep appreciation for literature and art. Martha and her sisters attended Catholic Schools. At sixteen, she was named the princess of her town. In her twenties and thirties, Martha taught Spanish at The Autonoma de (University of) Guadalajara, where her father and sister, Reina also taught. Martha was in charge of teaching the American medical students Spanish. She was one of the most respected and loved teachers on campus. Every student wanted to be in her class, including her soon to be husband, Dr. James A. Livingston, whom she had in her class three times.

Martha and James married and moved to Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, and finally Georgia, where they settled to raise their children, Natalia and James. Martha had always had a passion for painting and drawing. In her forties, she decided to pursue an art degree at Wesleyan College. These were extremely happy years for her. She loved every moment of her studies. She blossomed artistically and made several life long friends. Marta was named “Best in Show” of her senior class and had several front-page write ups in the paper about her art. She was an extremely talented artist. She was unique and completely original. Her work was emotionally raw, profound, and striking. It was thought provoking, vulnerable, and heart wrenching. It was beautiful in its simple complexity. Martha’s earlier work was centered around death and dying, as she mourned the death of her father, mother, and sister through her work. Later, her work took on a more whimsical, less serious tone, but always bold and unabashedly different.

Martha loved academic life and was elated to return to it as a Spanish professor at Mercer University. She loved teaching and was a true natural at it. Above all, though, Martha loved being a mother. She often said it was her greatest joy and most treasured accomplishment. Martha enjoyed painting, writing, joining her friends for coffee, travelling, keeping up with current events, and playing with her little dogs, Paquita and Bonita.

Martha was deeply religious and developed a very sweet and special friendship with Mother Teresa before she died. They would talk on the phone and exchange letters. Martha in Macon and Mother Teresa in Calcutta. Martha considered this one of the greatest highlights of her life.

Martha was funny (so funny), full of life, feisty, and completely loving. She was the epitome of grace and strength. She smiled through unimaginable suffering. Always smiled. The most beautiful, glorious, smile. Bold, strong, adorable, full of love. The kind of smile that makes you laugh and makes you cry at the same time.

Martha is survived by her husband of 42 years, Dr. James A. Livingston; her daughter and son-in-law, Natalia Livingston Aldag and Dr. Matt Aldag; her son and daughter-in-law, James S. and Marjorie Livingston and their daughters, Therese and Lucy Livingston; her sister, Natalia Barbara; and many loving cousins, nieces and nephews.

Martha would always say, “I love you more. I love you more.” Martha, we love you more and we will miss you terribly. Your beauty and your example remain in our hearts and will live forever.

Visit www.snowsmacon.com to express condolences.

Snow's Memorial Chapel, Cherry Street has charge of arrangements.