Pauline Florence Martin

Howland, Ohio Pauline Florence "Polly" Ongerth Martin, of Howland, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2025, at Lake Vista in Cortland, Ohio. She was 90 years old. Polly leaves behind a legacy of strength, compassion, and vibrant community engagement. Born on November 20, 1934, in Youngstown, Ohio, Polly was the beloved daughter of Paul Henry Ongerth and Florence Edith Dressel Ongerth. Life demanded resilience from an early age, when her father passed away, Polly, only eleven, helped her mother raise her younger siblings, instilling in her the determination and tenacity that defined her entire life. A proud graduate of Austintown Fitch High School and the Trumbull Memorial School of Nursing, Polly dedicated her career to serving others as a registered nurse at Trumbull Memorial Hospital, for an impressive 30 years. Her compassion, no-nonsense approach, and remarkable work ethic earned her the deep respect of colleagues and the gratitude of countless patients. Polly's nursing career was an immense source of pride. Polly married John A. Martin on May 22, 1956, sharing 47 years of marriage. Together they raised three sons -Ted, Eric, and Geoff Martin. Polly's talents extended far beyond her work as a nurse. An exceptional quilter, she was an active member of the Ohio Star Quilters and generously shared her skills, frequently teaching quilting to young people at Howland Scope. Polly was also an enthusiastic participant in community bocce and bingo games, never missing an opportunity to engage in friendly competition or laughter with friends. Her love of reading made her an active participant in Friends of Howland Library, and she was a faithful member of Blessed Sacrament Church. Those closest to Polly will remember her as strong-willed, tough, and tenacious-a woman who met every challenge head on and never backed down from adversity. Polly was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John A. Martin; her parents; her sister, Evelyn Mae Delany; and her brother, Arthur William Ongerth. She will be sadly missed by her three sons: Ted (Leann) Martin of Howland, Ohio, Eric Martin of Howland, Ohio, and Geoff (Susan) Martin of Galena, Ohio and four grandchildren, Abigail Martin, Allison Martin, Marissa Martin, and Jack Martin. Visitation will take place at St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Blessed Sacrament Church, 3020 Reeves Rd. NE, Warren, OH 44483 on Friday July 18, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at the church at 2:30 p.m., where friends, family and all whose lives she touched are invited to celebrate Polly's remarkable life. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Polly's name to St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Blessed Sacrament Church. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Carl W. Hall Funeral Home.