Eleanore Barbara Martin

Eleanore Barbara Martin, a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, and longtime resident of Troy, Michigan, passed away peacefully on October 26, 2025.
Family was always her greatest joy and proudest achievement. To her loved ones, Barbara was not only a mother and grandmother but also a teacher, confidant, and guiding light. She was an exceptional human being with proud Polish heritage. A perfectionist in every way, Barbara lovingly prepared traditional dishes like pierogi and golumpki, crafting holiday meals entirely from scratch. Over time, she educated herself extensively on nutrition and exercise, transforming her cooking style to reflect her values. Her healthful creations-salmon, chicken, turkey burgers, and wholesome baked goods-were shared generously, along with her deep belief in the importance of wellness.
Barbara was remarkably intelligent. Before having her first child, she studied a book called Life Before Birth. She read encyclopedias and nutrition magazines and found joy in sitting outside near her flowers, soaking up the sun with a book in hand. She took pride in her beautiful home in Troy and managed her finances with care and precision. She didn't believe in dining out, preferring instead to prepare meals for guests herself-rising early to roast the turkey and bake pies from scratch.
If you were sick or in need, Barbara would deliver nourishing meals to your doorstep without being asked. Her kindness and thoughtfulness were boundless. She found immense joy in helping others and lived with a quiet commitment to excellence. Always ahead of her time, she read, studied, planned, and offered practical, sound advice to family and friends.
A natural entrepreneur and industrious worker, Barbara built a career marked by creativity and determination. She proudly owned several businesses, including Kim's Novelties, a homemade artistic chocolate company. She worked multiple jobs and ran various ventures that allowed her to maintain her cherished Troy home as a single mother, providing a stable and fulfilling life for her children and grandchildren.
Born on September 6, 1935, in Detroit, Michigan, to Joseph and Eleanore Pudlo, Barbara grew up in Hamtramck. At just 12 years old, following her mother's passing, she took on the tremendous responsibility of helping raise her five brothers-a role she embraced with love, strength, and grace. From that moment on, caring for others became her life's purpose.
Barbara's faith was her foundation. A lifelong Catholic, she lived her beliefs through acts of kindness. She found joy in giving back, volunteering at a local hospital where she lovingly held, and knitted blankets for, premature babies in the NICU.
Barbara is survived by her loving children, Edward Alan Martin and Kimberly Ann (Raffaele Picano) Long; her adored grandchildren, Claire, Evan, and Tyler; her dear sister-in-law, Rosalie Pudlo; her half brother, Mark J. (Pam) Pudlo; and a cherished friend, Sarah Hicks, who held a special place in her heart.
She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Maurice, Conrad (Rosalie) Pudlo, Thomas, and Alan.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., with family and friends gathering at 9:30 a.m., at Christ Our Light Catholic Church, 3077 Gloucester Drive, Troy, MI 48084.
In keeping with Barbara's spirit of giving, memorial donations may be made to the Leukemia And Lymphoma Society in her name.
"Well done, good and faithful servant enter into the joy of your Lord." - Matthew 25:23 To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Eleanore, please visit our floral store.