Martha Evans McCall

Obituary of Martha Evans McCall

Martha came into this world as Martha Theresa Evans on May 28th, 1937 in the small town of Mexico, New York. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 60 years, Richard G. McCall.

She was the youngest child of N. Earle Evans Sr. and Dorothy Malady Evans, preceded by N. Earle (Helen) Evans Jr., Elizabeth (Robert) Drisko, James (Mary) Evans, Janet (Robert) Tanner, and Doris (Robert) Romano. Her mother passed away when Martha was very young, so she was raised by her father and older sisters and brothers. Once Martha's siblings married, they continued to care for her, Martha had many fond memories of summering in Raqueet Lake, Old Forge and Inlet, New York with her brother Earle and sister-in-law Helen and brother Jim and sister-in-law Mary and their families. Martha travelled to Kansas City, Missouri to stay with her sister Betty and brother-in-law, Bob's family. She spent time with her sister Janet and brother-in-law Bob and their family in Staten Island. Martha enjoyed helping care for her nieces and nephews. She became very close to all of them as they were more like cousins. Watertown NY became a summer destination as a younger child where her Aunt Bertha took care of her as her father Earle Sr. worked. She attended daily mass as a young girl and considered the church and especially the Blessed Mother as a loving mother who watched over her and protected her. She continued that faith throughout her life. The Evans family highly valued education, and Martha prided herself on being well read, up to date on historical facts and current events alike. Her love of learning led her to La Moyne College, a small Jesuit college in upstate New York, where she majored in English and met the love of her life, Richard (Dick) McCall. He was a handsome and charming Veteran who had just returned from serving in Germany. She was swept off her feet! They were married on August 22, 1959, in Cazenovia, New York, and had five children.

Dick's work in sales and marketing took them all over the country, from Cazenovia, New York, to Baltimore, Maryland, down to Charlotte, North Carolina, up to Medford, New Jersey, out to Morgan Hill, California, and, finally, back to Califon, New Jersey, where they spent the rest of their days. "The Barn" was a special place where many family celebrations and holidays took place as well as a fun adventure for the grandkids. They provided a home away from home for many relatives in transition and were always open to visitors. Dick and Martha were a team. Martha loved antiquing and found many wonderful pieces to create a welcoming atmosphere in their home. Across all her places of residence, Martha made many friends. Martha and Dick loved hosting parties, most known for her New Years Day "Lupper" and the gourmet clubs they created with friends, hosting numerous dinner parties over the years. Martha and Dick also loved to travel abroad, from the rolling hills of Ireland to the Running of the Bulls in Madrid. Martha also visited the Our Lady of Medjugorje in Bosnia on a pilgrimage with some friends. She cherished her time there and brought back many blessed rosaries to share with family and friends. As an active member of the Catholic Church, Martha was overjoyed to see an American Pope in Pope Leo XIV. Her faith and devotion guided her through life. She volunteered in multiple capacities, involved in countless fundraisers for the church and community. She was a member of the Rosary Society and the Social Ministry Group, and a Eucharistic Minister. Most notably, Martha and Dick raised funds to help build St. John Neumann's Catholic Church in Califon, New Jersey and, later, in memory of her husband, she donated the doors to the entrance of the church.

Martha loved to talk about everything and listen to everyone, remembering the details that the storyteller may have long forgotten. Martha knew all our childhood friends and gave them as much love as she did us welcoming them into the home even when we weren't around. She loved to dance, mostly to the classics, but had also been known to skirt around the dance floor to some recent hits. She loved her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren with sheer devotion, and invested her time in learning about the details of all facets of their lives, from work, school, sports, the arts, and even, their love lives! She prayed every day that her family was happy and at peace.

Martha is survived by her loving children, Elizabeth (Paul) King, Katherine (Kevin) Kuchova, Sara (Jack) Broderick, Steve (Jennifer) McCall, and Cynthia (Bob) Mohr; grandchildren, Leah, Sarah, Eric (Stephanie), Ryan (Melissa), Carly (Kyle), Michael (Emily), John, Kelia, Jack, Tom, Garrett, and Casey; great-grandchildren, Grady, Elena, August, Callie, Ava, Jackson, Brooks, and Nico; brother in law Stephen (Katrina) McCall. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday, January 19th from 5:00 until 7:00Pm at Martin Funeral Home. located at 1761 Route 31, Clinton NJ 08809. Visitation will also be held on Tuesday, January 20th from 10:00 until the start of the funeral mass at 11:00AM at St. John Neumann Church, located at 398 County Road 513, Califon NJ 07830. Internment will follow at the Immaculate Conception Mausoleum in Annandale. To send condolences to the family please visit www.martinfh.com.

In lieu of flowers donations may be in her memory to The Blue Army Shrine, PO Box 976, Washington NJ 07882. https://bluearmyshrine.com/donate/