Martha T. Shapiro

09/13/1950 - 09/15/2025

Martha T. Shapiro passed away on Monday, September 15, 2025, in Gig Harbor, Washington. She was surrounded by the love and comfort of family. She was affectionately known to many as Marth. To those lucky enough to have her as a mother, mother-in-law or surrogate mother, she was known as Mamaleh.
Martha was born on September 13, 1950 in Lowell, Massachusetts to Rear Admiral Sumner and Eleanor Shapiro, (née Hymen) best known to friends as Shap and Jimmie. As the daughter of a naval officer, Martha traveled the world with her mother and two younger siblings, moving 23 times in total.
She attended Abbot Academy in Andover, Massachusetts (class of 1968) followed by Goucher College in Towson, Maryland (class of 1972). At Goucher, Martha studied French, Russian, modern art, and dance. Martha also donned the costume of the beloved mascot Rowdy, the gopher. She was mostly well known for her friendship and love.
Martha's greatest loves were her daughters, Laura and Beth, who she raised to be extraordinary women and mothers. She was a talented calligrapher, a whiz at trivia and crossword puzzles, dog lover, and above all, she was kindness itself. Most of her career was spent in the medical field as practice manager. She was beloved by patients and coworkers for her dependability, expertise, and warmth.
Later in life, Martha, Susan, and Eleanor moved to Washington State, to be close to Martha's daughters and their families. Martha's greatest joys were spending time with her sister, daughters and grandchildren, riding horses with Susie, and loving up their dogs.
Martha is survived by her siblings, Susie Shapiro of Gig Harbor, WA, Dr. Steven Shapiro (Carol) of York,PA, daughters Laura Nammour (Chris) of Puyallup, WA and Elizabeth Long (Patrick) of Bonney Lake,WA, nephews Ben Shapiro (Shu) of Seattle, WA, Justin Shapiro of Phoenix, AZ, and treasured grandchildren, Evelyn Long, Sean Long, and Josephine Nammour. She will be missed by dogs Odie and her precious pup, Jake.
Martha will be missed immeasurably by her family and friends.
Services are private. The family requests that any donations be made to Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation, P.O. Box 50037, Arlington, VA 22205.