Martha C. Lambright

Martha Catherine Lambright, 74, passed away on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, surrounded by her family. She succumbed to Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) following a long, courageous year battle with COPD.

Marti was born in Vandergrift, Pennsylvania, on May 16, 1951, to William R. Rosensteel and Margaret E. Kearney. Her family moved to West Covina, California, in 1954, where she grew up with her two brothers, William and Ronald Rosensteel. She graduated from West Covina High School in 1969. Marti met the love of her life, Timothy R. Lambright, in 1971 while passing out wedding pamphlets at her friend's and his brother's ceremony. They married on January 1, 1972-celebrating not only the New Year but the beginning of their life together.

In 1974, Marti and Tim purchased a lovely home in Huntington Beach, California, where she lived for the rest of her life and where they raised their daughter, Lisa Marie (Sherman). Marti left her banking career to become a stay at home mother. She followed her daughter through school as a teacher's aide, a role that ultimately led her to a career as an instructional assistant at the Golden View Elementary School Farm. The Farm served as a "living classroom," where students learned to care for animals and grow food. In addition to caring for the animals and teaching students during school hours, she also devoted her afternoons to the "Kids Club" after school program. Marti's gentle and caring spirit made a difference to countless students at both the Farm and Kids Club.

She was also deeply involved in Lisa's many activities, including her years in the Ocean View High School Band Parents Association. Marti was dedicated to her family, to the animals she cared for, to the children and parents she met over the years, and truly to anyone fortunate enough to cross her path.

Diagnosed with COPD 12 years ago, Marti remained determined to persevere. She stayed active by walking her dog through Huntington Beach Central Park, practicing yoga at the HB Senior Center with her son in law's mother, and continuing to care for those around her. She was the sweetest, most compassionate, funniest, and most selfless soul. Everyone who met her loved her. The world is less bright without her. She was always strong, always a fighter, and she will forever live in our hearts.

Marti is preceded in death by her parents, William and Margaret Rosensteel. She is survived by her devoted husband and soulmate, Tim Lambright; her daughter Lisa Sherman and son in law James Sherman; her brothers William Rosensteel, and Ronald Rosensteel and her sister in law

Linda Rosensteel; the Lambright family; her beloved longtime neighbors; her newly adopted fur baby, Honey; and the many friends whose lives she touched.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday May 16th, in honor of her birthday, at Huntington Beach Central Park (further details to come). In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the ASPCA in her memory.