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BORN
1959
DIED
2023
Martha Tobin Obituary
She is also survived by her devoted brothers, Tom (Kathleen), James (Alice Lockhart), and John (Andrea Aungst) Tobin; her wonderful uncle, Father James Tobin; best friend and partner, Pat Ward; and many beloved nieces, nephews, bonus kids, and friends from all walks. Awaiting her in the afterward are her parents, Tom and Joan Tobin; siblings Dan, Joe, and Sarah Tobin; niece Mary Tobin; and a slew of others she loved along her journey.
Martha spent her childhood in a big family in Jennings, helping rear her siblings and working at her grandmother's catering business, always being jealous of the boys who got to do the yard work. As an adult, she continued in the service industry at The Lettuce Leaf and Balaban's restaurants. She then learned the artistry and acumen of the floral business from Jon Prel, eventually taking over his shop. She transitioned that into Saint Louis Blooms, where she expanded from flowers into designing and planting beautiful gardens all over town - finally getting to play in the dirt. Her life's real work was being a mother, and she was one of the best. She broke patterns, molds, and rules - and we are all better for it.
In 2019, Martha beat long odds and survived several heart surgeries, but had suffered a great deal since. Recently, doctors discovered a brain tumor that was the likely cause of some of her struggles. Treatment options were risky and arduous, and she chose to pursue end-of-life care.
We are grateful that she is no longer in pain, and the love that infused everything she did will live with us forever. Martha was a helper, a giver, a shirt-off-her-back kind of person. She always stopped at lemonade stands and never took more than she was willing to give. She loved music of all genres, most especially the Rolling Stones and Lyle Lovett, and was well known for impromptu grocery store dance parties (of one). Some of her best memories were made with her kids and their friends in the family room with a big pot of spaghetti. Everyone was welcomed. Everyone was loved.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to help with the care of her special needs son:
Ian Trout
PO Box # 29245
St. Louis, MO 63126
Services:
July 22nd, 2023
Our Lady of the Pillar Catholic Church
Saint Louis, MO 63124
Visitation 10:00am - 12:00pm
Memorial Mass at Noon
Luncheon to follow
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Martha Tobin
Pamela Dern
June 23, 2025
Martha had the biggest heart
ever! I miss her bunches!
Laura J Lock
February 14, 2025
Mart I miss you beyond belief. I know you´re in heaven honey give Scott a big kiss for me
Mary-Corinne Corley
April 16, 2024
I had not talked with Martha for many years and had reconnected with her in the months before her final illness. She told me many stories of her life-after-Jennings during a couple of long telephone calls. Over the months since she died, I have often thought of her and the days that I spent babysitting the Tobin kids. My sorrow at the loss of Martha and those who went before her finds small comfort in thinking that in some great cosmos, they reunited. Sending love.
Stacey Kurtz
July 22, 2023
I worked in a small town grocery store for the better part of 27 years. In that time I had many customers leave a mark on my soul. Martha was one of those people. She watched me grow up over that time span. She often came in and hung out for a few extra minutes while we discussed what was going on in our days. She often spoke of her children. I found out I went to high with her daughter Kate. And her son Ian became a good friend of mine. She spoke highly of her kids. She was very proud of them, and her granddaughter. She has planted a beautiful garden of memories on my heart, and I will miss her.
Laura Lock
July 21, 2023
Beautiful friend you blessed everyone's lives that knew you. I will miss you forever, be at peace and rest now lovely. I'm so so sorry for Kate, Ian, Joey, and sweet Grace.
Keith Mosier
July 11, 2023
Food Outreach has lost a dear friend. Martha was a wonderful woman who generously supported us in many ways over many years. She made our events and occasions shine with her gifted floral artistry and would never accept anything in return. Personally, I loved getting to talk with Martha on the phone-her voice, her laugh and especially her sunny disposition always made me happy, and I miss her deeply.
The staff, volunteers and clients of Food Outreach extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to Kate and her family. The world is a little sadder without Martha, but it´s so much better because she was here.
With love,
Keith Mosier
Office Manager, Food Outreach, Inc.
Pamela Dern
July 4, 2023
Kate your Mother, Martha was the most amazing person inside and out. Her love of nature was her calling and she flourished with it. Nature was only second to her love of her family. My memories are many and will continue through you
Kate and Grace.
Robin pernikoff
July 3, 2023
Kate I am so very sorry for your loss... your memories and everytime u make a beautiful flower arrangement your mom will be with you... sending my wishes of peace for you. Love robin pernikoff
Tricia Kowalski
July 1, 2023
Martha was a dear friend. I am feeling blessed to have the connection with her over the years. I am happy she found peace. I am sad in her absence. Kate and Ian, you have my love, support and hugs. Tricia, Chris and Jean.
Karie Linke-pirtle
July 1, 2023
My condolences to Martha´s family. This saddens my heart tremendously. Martha and her daughter Katie did our wedding flowers and special arrangements for other occasions.
Martha was so great to work with always. So creative and kind and really listened. Every interaction with her was joyful. She was an incredible mother. You could tell by her relationship with children. You all were so blessed and I am so so sorry for this loss. Positive thoughts are being sent your way.
Karie
Glenda Wiman
July 1, 2023
I knew Martha and Kate through St. Louis Blooms. She did countless personal and work related floral arrangements for me. She was incredibly talented and creative. Her humor and calming nature always made every situation better. I know things weren´t always easy for her-but she was blessed with family and friends who loved her dearly. She was a strong, compassionate woman. I´m just sorry I didn´t have more time with her.
Glenda Wiman
Linda Baker Oberst
June 30, 2023
I am so saddened to hear of this news. I haven´t seen Martha for a very long time . Her daughter ,Kate and her Neice , Mary , were elementary friends / classmates of my daughter , Natalie. I recalled the fun times with the girls.
My sincerest condolences to the family.
Barbara Bishop
June 30, 2023
She was one of the good ones. Always kind and always helpful, I´m sure glad to have known her.
Cathlynn Purvis
June 30, 2023
I find I'm most grateful for our pre-Covid visit, for it was the fresh memory of her "smiling eyes" I could picture, the giving nature I would automatically feel, the laugh from within I could actually hear so naturally on our subsequent long-distance phone calls. I think that's what is meant by not "losing touch". This is my comfort - as she was a comfort.
Tim Sayers
June 30, 2023
I am very sorry for the Tobin family's loss. I knew Martha from her years at Balabans, and then later, she bacame my next door neighbor on Halliday. She had wistful smile that came out sometimes that would make my day. Now she is joining her parents, Sarah, and Katie in a place of peace and joy. My best to you, old friend. Tim Sayers
Davena Ryan
June 30, 2023
Martha was pure sunshine! She was truly the kindest soul I have ever met. Eyes of an Angel. I´m so blessed to have known her. She is now spreading her wings.
Ron Silverman
June 30, 2023
I´m shocked and saddened by Martha´s passing. We had many engaging phone conversations. My deepest condolences to the entire family. Ron Silverman
Jody L Serkes
June 30, 2023
Absolutely breaks my heart. She would and I would from time to time write each other and check in. My god this hurts.
Andy
June 30, 2023
Martha -
A truly good soul, and you will be missed.
Carole Meyer
June 29, 2023
She always stopped on her walks to talk to Rowan and Michaela and would offer them chalk. Will miss her. Gramma Carole.
Mary Hosto
June 29, 2023
Martha was the 2nd mother to my son Jack, and I had the honor of loving her and her children tremendously. When my son's father died unexpectedly, I called Martha and Joe to help me break the news. We are family, and I shall miss my sister tremendously. My heart breaks for Katie, Ian and Joe, my 2nd son. Pat, and all her special people, I grieve for. There will never be another Martha, who could gather us all and make us all feel like we were the most special. I'm so happy she left us with peace and grace surrounded by her kiddos, like we'd all like to go, but I miss her so terribly much already. I'll be staying close to our little family and making sure we all make it through. I love you all. Mary.
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