Martha Porcaro

Martha Jean (Waldron) Porcaro, 69, of East Dennis, passed away peacefully at her beloved home on the Cape on November 20, 2022, after eight (8) years of a courageous battle against a rare illness. Her strength, perseverance and sheer “will to live” was astonishing to all. Her loving husband and two daughters were by her side at her passing. Born in Framingham on August 29th, 1953, Martha was the daughter of Murray “Red” and Doris Jean (Geehan) Waldron, who predeceased her in 2012 and 2005. Martha leaves behind her devoted husband of 44 years, Ron Porcaro, also of East Dennis. The pair was married in Auburn in 1978, and were life-long “best friends” until the end. They shared laughter, children, grandchildren, great friends and an everlasting adoration for one another, which only grew along with years. Martha also leaves behind two daughters, Elizabeth Mendez of Paxton, and her husband, Luis, and Jennifer Pullen of Southborough, and her husband, Nate. Martha’s daughters were incredibly grateful and fortunate to have her as their mom, for Martha set a remarkable example of grace, beauty, civility, moral fiber and hard work. Her humility, through all of this in particular, was exceptional. Martha’s sons-in-law were equally enamored with her, calling on her almost as often as her own daughters for advice and comfort. Martha leaves a small and loving group of close friends. Trust and loyalty were the core of her being; her friends were for life. Martha sorrowfully leaves behind her four grandchildren with whom she formed the most cherished bonds and from whom she took the greatest joy; they are Benjamin (12), Alivia (10), Charlotte (6), and John (3).

Martha was a Registered Nurse throughout her life and an exceptional one at that. She was sought after by patients for her gentle and knowledgeable care, and valued by the physicians, nurses, and staff with whom she worked so diligently. With an amazing work ethic, her commitment to patient care always took precedent over personal ambition. Nursing was a natural career path for Martha, as she was a caretaker from the start. Even as a little girl, Martha was taking care of her parents by helping to clean and cook and organize. She continued to care for her parents into their senior years as they faced increasing health challenges. She was unwavering in her persistence on their behalf, relentlessly striving toward good health. She did the same for countless friends and family members with dedication and love.

One of Martha’s greatest passions was making her home a beautiful and serene place for her family and friends to enjoy. She had a natural eye for thoughtful design and her home became a beautiful reflection of the lovely qualities and softness she embodied. This passion extended into her gardens outside, where she could often be found watering, pruning, and doting upon her plants and flowers. In 2010, Martha and Ron bought a second home on Cape Cod, which had always been a dream of theirs. It needed a bit of work, and Martha had a vision; she poured her energies into creating the charming home by the sea that her grandchildren now affectionately call “Grammy and Pup’s beach house.” She will be felt immensely here.

Martha was an avid proponent of healthy habits and clean living, and instilled the same in her children and grandchildren. She exercised by walking daily, and developed many special friendships walking in her neighborhoods through the years. Some of her favorite walks, though, were those she took with Ron, going for miles and miles on her beloved Cold Storage beach at low tide. She would often remark “Isn’t it just heavenly?” She also enjoyed bike riding, and would cycle both at home and on the bike trail with her grandchildren on the Cape. She defied the odds of her illness by maintaining a phenomenal level of fitness even into the later stages of her illness, while she quietly endured more than many could imagine. Martha was a wonder to all who were lucky enough to see and talk with her daily.

Martha is survived by her three siblings, Michael Waldron of Dennisport and his partner Marie Ryan, Lynne Silver and her husband Steven of Jefferson, and Peter Waldron and his wife Dee Butler of Fernandina, Florida. Martha is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Gina Belsito and her husband Albert of Rutland and Denise Porcaro of Holden. She is sadly predeceased by a third sister-in-law, Diane, and a nephew Danny, both of whom are undoubtedly embracing her in heaven. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, all of whom count her as having been an incredibly special, warm, and knowledgeable mentor to them through their lives. Ron insists that even Queen Elizabeth would call Martha for advice.

Simply stated, Martha made the world a more beautiful place than she found it, and for that her family and friends are forever grateful and look forward to seeing her again.

The services for Martha will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be to Dana Farber Cancer Institute or Beacon Hospice Care. To share a memory or leave a condolence, please visit www.doanebealamesdennis.com.