Reba Martin

Reba Martin nee Lerner, long time resident of Cresskill, passed away at the age of 94, on Sunday, November 6, 2022. Reba was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Harold Martin, and is survived by their children Gary Martin, Terry Zingman (Barry), Susan Martin Skalla (Matthew), Peter Martin (Jennifer), and grandchildren Lisa, Michael, and Jaclyn Zingman, Brian and Benjamin Skalla, and Henry, Samuel, and Charles Martin. Reba was born in Manhattan to parents Nathan and Ida Lerner on July 19, 1928, the 2nd of 5 siblings. She is survived by sister Louise Rapkin and brother Jules Lerner and predeceased by sisters Miriam Goldberg and Naomi Winslow.

Reba was raised in Englewood and attended Drew University, where she graduated with a bachelor's degree in Chemistry. She met her husband Harold at a political meeting for local Democratic Party members and they were wed in 1956. After marrying and having children, Reba devoted herself fully to motherhood and created a household that felt like home to more than just her own kids. She remained actively involved in community groups such as the League of Women Voters and the school PTA, and throughout their time together Reba and Harold were passionate about supporting a wide range of charitable organizations. Others always came first, especially those in need. Selfless generosity and loving kindness were Reba's way of being.

Reba planned family vacations for her children, sometimes as near as the Jersey shore but also as elaborate as a driving trip from New Jersey to Mexico City for a summer, first teaching her 4 young kids how to play bridge with a deck of cards to keep them occupied in the back of the station wagon. She and Harold were fortunate to go on cruises and land tours in many parts of the world over the years.

Later in life, after losing Harold to illness in 2010, Reba found love once more in her Cresskill independent living home and was extremely grateful to spend her time with Harris Ascher, eventually moving with him to assisted living in River Vale last December. Reba and Harris became a couple no one could help but adore, both in their 90's and inseparable.

An intimate family gathering in honor of Reba will be held. She will be missed tremendously and forever loved.