Martina Harten

Martina Mary (Lyons) Harten
Martina Mary (Lyons) Harten, known lovingly as Tina, passed away peacefully surrounded by her devoted family on October 17, 2025.
Tina was born on November 9, 1940, in Bekan Villa, Bekan, Co. Mayo, Ireland, to Julia and Michael Lyons. She was the fifth of seven children in a close-knit family defined by love and mutual devotion. After the early death of her mother, Tina took on the responsibility of working the family farm and caring for her siblings, a testament to her lifelong nurturing spirit. She carried many wonderful memories of Bekan Villa and loved returning home to visit throughout her life.
In 1963, Tina emigrated to the United States, settling in New York City with her sisters. She quickly found work as a secretary at a doctor's malpractice insurance company. It was in 1964, at the Red Mill on Jerome Avenue in the Bronx, that she met the love of her life, Frank Harten. That night sparked a lifelong romance filled with partying, dancing, and enduring love. Tina and Frank were married in the Bronx on October 1, 1966.
The couple began their married life in the Bronx, welcoming their sons Frank and Michael. In 1972, they moved to their lifelong home in Valley Stream on Long Island, where they completed their family with the birth of their daughters, Patricia and Deirdre. Tina and Frank raised their children surrounded by an extended family that included 36 first cousins. Tina's heart was always full when her sister, Eileen, and her family would visit each summer, continuing the strong bond they had built. She also treasured the almost daily phone calls and visits from her other beloved sisters, Mary, Bridie, Tessie, and Angela.
Tina's legendary hospitality meant her door was always open, the kettle always on, and fresh scones were usually waiting for anyone who popped in for a visit. She was instrumental in instilling a deep love of Irish culture in her family. Frank was taught the accordion, and her daughters, Patricia and Deirdre, became dedicated Irish Step Dancers; Tina herself was an excellent Ceili dancer. The family spent countless days and nights at the Irish American Center in Mineola, where Tina and Frank hosted the annual Holly and Ivy Dance. There were many great memories shared playing games of 25 and attending ceilis and dances.
The family leaned on their faith and the love of their extended community when their son, Michael, passed away in 1978 after a battle with cancer.
Tina is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Frank; her children Frank (Tricia), Patricia (Gene), and Deirdre (Brad); and her cherished grandchildren: Ashley, Michael, Ella, Abigail, Sean, Owen, and Ryan. She is also survived by her sisters Mary, Teresa, and Angela, and her sister Eileen, and is predeceased by her son Michael and siblings Bridie and Seamus.
A wake will be held on Thursday, October 23, from 4-8 p.m. at Perry Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Friday, October 24th, at St. Joseph Church in Hewlett, NY.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in honor of Tina's son, Michael Harten.
"Her legacy is the love she shared with all of us. Her spirit will continue to guide and live on in our hearts forever." To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Martina, please visit our floral store.