Katherine (Samarziya) Martin

BESSEMER, Mich. – Katherine (Samarziya) Martin, 89, a longtime resident of Bessemer, passed away Sunday, July 10, 2011, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on Feb. 1, 1922, in Bessemer, the daughter of Marko and Julia (Tirpik) Samarziya. Katherine attended the Barber School for seven years, Washington School for two years and St. Sebastian Catholic School for one year. She graduated from A.D. Johnston High School in June 1939.
On June 29, 1940, Katherine married Michael Martin at St. Sebastian Catholic Church by the Rev. Charles Swoboda. Together they made their home in Ironwood. In May 1941, they move to Detroit and lived there during the World War II years. Katherine and Michael returned to Ironwood in the fall of 1945, and in 1948, moved to Bessemer. They were married for 59 years.
She served as secretary for the Barber School P.T.O., and served as president of the Yale Ladies Guild of the St. Sebastian Church. After consolidating with the Bessemer Guild, Katherine served as president for two years. She was a member of the Parish Council for two years, and was the Sacristan for 21 years.
Katherine worked for Mrs. Linwood Noyes for 10 years. She was then employed by the St. Sebastian School as a teacher's aid and secretary for 12 years and 9 months, and retired on June 6, 1986. She also worked for Mrs. Evelyn Bedore for 26 years in her catering service.
Katherine is survived by two children, Julianne (John) Finco, Green Bay, Wis., and Robert (Pam) Martin, Parker, Colo.; six grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; a brother, Peter Samarziya, Bessemer; a sister, Frances Malmberg, Bessemer; several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Michael, on March 29, 1999; a daughter, Mary at birth, on Jan. 7, 1950; brothers and sisters, Frank Samarziya, in infancy, John Samarziya, on Jan. 11, 1998, Ann Bolognino, on March 2, 2000 and Mary Ulianelli, on Oct. 8, 2003.
Visitation will be Thursday, July 14, from 10 to 11 a.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Wakefield, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., with the Revs. Joy J. Adimakkeel and Louis P. Bracket concelebrating. Also in attendance will be the Immaculate Conception Women's Guild Honor Guard.
Rite of Committal and burial will take place in the Hillcrest Cemetery.
Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories may be shared at lakesidememorialchapel.com.