Michele M. Martens

Martens, Michele M.
WATERVLIET - Michele M. Martens, 67, went to our Lord peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, August 20, 2023.
Michele graduated from Vestal High School in 1974 and from SUNY Albany in 1981, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in English language. She retired from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute after 40 years of service beginning in the Graduate Admissions Department and finishing her career as a data analyst in the Lally School of Management.
Michele was a passionate fabric artist and specialized in abstract wall art that utilized her hand-dyed fabrics combined with knitted and found objects. Her quilts were in multiple juried exhibitions and have traveled as far away as Japan. Closer to home, she was a member of the Strolling Village Artisans co-op until they closed. During her time there she transitioned to making smaller items again with her unique eye for colors, textures, and fabrics. She presented her work in several solo exhibitions and loved volunteering at the co-op on Saturday mornings. Later in her art career she was active in online forums and had a supportive group of artist friends.
Michele was an avid animal lover and was especially fond of her four cats, Aspen, Vicious, Rowan, and Sir Douglas Fir Tree, "Tree" for short. They were her constant comfort and companions during her recent disability that kept her homebound.
Michele loved the ocean, and her favorite vacations were those spent on Cape Cod. Michele was active in St. Pius X Church where she co-founded the baby-sitting service for parents attending the 10 a.m. Mass. She also assisted in children's art projects that were very popular and was a member of Cornerstone. She grew up attending Holy Spirit Byzantine Church in Binghamton, N.Y. where she loved the beauty of the Byzantine Liturgy.
Michele was predeceased by her parents, Rita and John Merges. She is survived by her loving husband of 47 years, Keith; her son, Kyle; her brother, Mark Merges; her sister-in-law, Becky; and her two nieces, Molly and Reagan.
Memorial visitation will be held on Sunday, August 27, from 4 - 6 p.m. at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 181 Troy Schenectady Rd., Watervliet. Her memorial Mass will be held on Monday, August 28, at 11 a.m. in St. Pius X Church, 23 Crumitie Rd, Loudonville.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Whiskers Animal Benevolent League at https://www.ewhiskers.com/donate.