Martha, also known as Dots, Marti, and even Ravenna, at age 84, passed away peacefully in Amery Wisconsin, leaving behind a legacy of creativity, spiritual depth, and fierce maternal love.

Born in 1940 in Minnesota, she was the third of seven children. She attended finishing and secretarial school and was exceptionally proud of her lightning-fast typing skills, but her greatest pride was in being a mother—and in passing along the skills and values that defined her.

A talented seamstress, she taught her daughter to sew from a young age, planting the seed of a lifelong passion that would go on to inspire hundreds. This gift, along with her fierce independence and artistic spirit, is part of her lasting legacy.

She moved to San Francisco in 1962, later living in New York City before returning to Minneapolis, where her daughter was born. In 1979, they left Minnesota and traveled slowly across the country, eventually settling in Santa Cruz, California—a place that welcomed her free spirit. She was a familiar and colorful figure around town, often seen riding her bicycle well into her late 70s.

A lifelong seeker, she was raised in the Catholic faith but explored many spiritual traditions, finding beauty and meaning in Hinduism, Buddhism, ancient mythology, and nature. She believed deeply in guardian angels and named hers Athena, after the Greek goddess. She prayed often, and believed that Jesus had answered her most urgent calls for help.

She studied modern dance under Martha Graham, played classical and flamenco guitar, created jewelry, and painted organic, dreamlike forms inspired by the natural world. Her artistic gifts were matched by her complexity—she was strong, sensitive, proud, and deeply intuitive.

She raised her daughter with unwavering devotion and protection, never regretting the sacrifices she made to be a mother. Though she longed for lasting romantic love, and often felt the ache of loneliness, she remained loyal, curious, and spiritually alive.

Her life was not easy, but she was a fighter. She taught resilience and resourcefulness by example. Those who knew her will remember her as a woman of singular spirit—mystical, complicated, and beautifully unforgettable.
<>She is now, we trust, among the angels she loved so dearly—safe, at peace, and free.

“May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.” — William Shakespeare

Martha was preceded in death by her parents; son, Malcolm; and siblings, Mary, Marie, and Fritz. She is survived by her daughter, Autumn; her grandchildren, Heidi, Curt, and Scott; her great grandchildren, Seth and Mark; and her siblings, Margaret (Meg), Steven, and Charles (Chuck).

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at Church of St. Albert in Albertville, MN with a visitation one hour prior. Burial will take place at St. Albert’s Cemetery after the service.

Last Update: Jul 18, 2025 7:17 am CDT