Martha Starr Masch

Bright spots are ever so important in our everyday lives. There are not many that shone brighter in many of our lives than those of Martha Starr Masch. She was the sunshine that touched many little universes (lives) throughout her lifetime across the Back Country of San Diego County. Martha lost her battle with cancer, and passed away peacefully on July 10 surrounded by her loving family and lifelong friends. Martha was dearly loved by many and will be profoundly missed by all that knew her. Her contributions to her community were immense and often immeasurable.

Martha was born at Mercy Hospital in San Diego on May 23, 1947 to Hans and Mary Starr. Mary Starr was the daughter of George Sawday, a true Cattle Baron who leased or owned much of the land that is now San Diego County. Martha grew up immersed in a life on the ranch. She was an active member of 4-H and Girl Scouts. After graduating from Julian Union High School in 1965, Martha pursued a degree in Home Economics at California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo. During her studies there she dated, and later married (1969), Carl Masch. The couple finally settled down at their home in Ramona where their daughter, Mary, grew up and where Carl had a business hauling hay. They were married for 51 years before Carl's passing.

Martha obtained her teaching credential from San Diego State University and her Masters from Pepperdine before she began her career in education in 1971 as a substitute teacher at Julian High School. Her attraction to Home Economics led to a long career teaching this subject and when the curriculum changed, she began teaching English. A move to the front office then followed where she filled various administrative roles before her retirement after 43 years in Education at Julian High School. She loved teaching and her students loved her.

Home time was filled with baking and cooking, sewing, supporting family and friends, and catering to her two beloved grandsons, Cameron and Easton. She was an avid Padres and Texas A&M fan. Martha was proud of her family and could often be found supporting them at events. In the community, she was always there for anyone that needed her advice or help and did what she could for her enormous number of friends in the Back Country.

Martha was predeceased by her parents, Hans and Mary Starr, her sister Joanne, her three brothers Fred, William and George, and her husband, Carl. She is survived by her sister Kathryn Starr, her daughter Mary and husband Curtis Martineau, her two grandchildren, as well as many other relatives, both kinship and blood. With her passing, we are challenged to remember how Martha lived, what she gave to others, and carry on, doing her work, with the same spirit and love she had for others.

Plans for a celebration of Martha's life are being formulated. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Martha can be made to Ramona High Ag Boosters, Attn: Mary Martineau, P.O. Box 2057, Ramona, CA 92065.