Sweet Martha… that’s the phrase most people say when they mention our mother. And that’s true. But everyone knows it was her salt and spice that drew you in. And isn’t sweet, salty and spicy everyone’s favorite flavor combination? Sometimes the spice can be too intense, or the salt a bit much, but it’s that sweetness that keeps you coming back. 

That was Martha. (“Mama” to a special few of us.)

Mama’s deep empathy made her magnetic with a unique ability to connect with everyone, make them feel special, seen and loved. She had a circle of friends everywhere she went with meaningful connections with each of them. We can imagine there may have been some jealousy at times when friends thought they were her best friend only to realize someone else felt the same bond. Holiday dinners and family gatherings were invariably filled with new friends because she couldn’t stand to imagine anyone alone. She was an incredible cook and could create the most memorable dinner parties and culinary celebrations where everyone felt included like family. 

More than anything, she loved to live life to the fullest and taught us to do so as well. She was our beautiful, generous, adventurous, party girl.

Born Martha Elizabeth Woodall in Bowie, TX to G.H. and Ann Woodall on September 12, 1950, Martha was raised in Dallas with her older sister Sandra Kay where she attended Dan D. Rogers Elementary, Franklin Middle School, and Hillcrest High School.

Gifted with the voice of an angel, Martha sang her entire life—always in the choir at Wilshire Baptist Church, several stints with the Dallas Symphony Chorus, community shows and chorales wherever she lived, and in countless weddings and memorials for friends. Consider yourself blessed if you got to sit in the Wilshire sanctuary on Christmas Eve while Martha sang “Oh Holy Night” from the balcony.

Martha grew up with big dreams of one day leaving Dallas and living in far-off places, with Italy at the top of her list. In October 1974, a dashing stranger made that possible. One fateful afternoon at a friend’s house she was introduced to Max Holmes, a young offshore oilman from Houston. The two instantly fell in love. So much so that only six short weeks later on November 14, 1974 they were married at Wilshire. The reason for the urgency? Max had just received a new assignment from work—to relocate to Milan, Italy. All Max knew was he could not let this beautiful creature out of his grasp and if she was his wife the company would include her in the move. All Martha knew was Max was handsome and he was her ticket to Italy. Off they went.

Martha’s marriage to Max was an adventure for the ages, one that could never fit this page. Their adventure included living in beautiful places like Greece, Malta, Trinidad, Madrid, Milan, London and Mexico; having three children, Meredith, Maris and Mark; eating and cooking like kings; sharing wine and conversation with friends whenever possible; dancing into the night to The Eagles, Steely Dan and Gypsy Kings; stealing kisses often and intentionally in front of their children; late night dream sessions with the world atlas opened on the kitchen table to plot their next move; more kisses; family trips to Jamaica, Veracruz, and Zihuatanejo; love notes always; discovering an uncharted territory just south of the Texas border, their beloved Mexico, where they started a whole new adventure in San Miguel de Allende and raised Maris and Mark during their adolescence; a trip around the world to see China, Singapore, Dubai and Australia; two sons in law, Sam Vachon and Jim Troiano, who led to five grandchildren, Max, Evelyn, Lucy, Hank and Hugh; a daughter in law, Marie Louise; and many more kisses, too many to number.

Martha truly did sing until the very end. In her hospital bed as she began to look toward Heaven, she would pause and sing….a note or two…a stanza…a verse. Nurses would smile and notice. The chatter in the hallway was, “She loves to sing!” “Have you heard her sing?” “She’s always singing!” She took her last breath on her mother’s birthday, October 12, and as she was reunited with Love, we imagine she sang:

The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart

A fountain ever springing!

For all things are mine since I am his!

How can I keep from singing?

We are overjoyed that Martha and Max are reunited. And we thank all of you for loving her, for loving us, and continuing the party of life in her honor.