Irene Martin

Irene Martin (née Sontheim), affectionally known to many as "Oma", passed away peacefully on November 6, 2025 at the age of 98. Her timeless style and spirited presence made her seem decades younger.

A resident of Maris Grove, Irene was born in Germany, the daughter of the late Gebhard and Rosa Sontheim. In 1957, she and her family immigrated to the United States, settling in Jamaica, New York. She made Delaware County her home in 2002, following the tragic death of her son, Peter, on September 11th.

Irene was deeply proud of her German heritage. Her fiercely independent and resilient spirit carried her through life's challenges with strength and grace. She met each day with dignity and her signature touch of effortless glamour.

Irene treasured her family, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and, above all, her ever-devoted daughter, Elizabeth. She also cherished her dear friends from Fox Hill Farms and Maris Grove. Her generous heart, zest for celebration, and love of life made every gathering special and will continue to inspire those who knew and loved her.

She was the wife of the late Albert D. Martin, mother of Elizabeth Maruca (Raymond) and the late FDNY Lt. Peter Charles Martin (Alice), grandmother of Jennifer, Laurie (Joseph), Stephanie, Daniel (Gabriella), James, and John (Julia). She was predeceased by her sisters, Antonia and Rita, and is also survived by eight (soon to be nine) great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to her visitation on Saturday, November 15th, from 9:30 to 10:15 AM at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 430 Valleybrook Road, Glen Mills, PA, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM. Internment will be immediately following the Mass at St. Thomas Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation at https://t2t.org/