Martha H. Halstead, age 92, passed away on Tuesday, May 21, 2019 from cancer in her home in Escondido, CA. She was born November 30, 1926 in Charleston, West Virginia to Clarence “Jerry” Hays and Kathleen (Burns) Hays.
Martha was a cheerleader at Charleston Catholic High School where she graduated and then continued her education at Morris Harvey College. Afterward, she married Charles Halstead in 1950. Martha moved from West Virginia to Van Nuys, CA and then to San Diego, CA in the early 1960s. There she lived 50 years and raised her three children while working as an executive secretary.
Martha loved the Lord and attended St. Catherine Labouré Catholic Church in San Diego, CA. She was one of the founders of the church’s senior luncheon group and was its very first entertainment chairman. Martha would arrange for speakers and performers to come entertain the attendees after putting much effort into scout them out.
In 2003, Martha was diagnosed with macular degeneration which caused her to become blind. Even though her blindness created many challenges, she stayed strong and lived her life to the fullest. She discovered the Braille Institute and the San Diego Center for the Blind where she attended many fun classes and also learned skills that helped improve her life with vision impairment.
In 2012, she moved to Escondido, CA to be closer to her daughter and granddaughter so that they could help take care of her during her remaining years. There she attended the Legally Blind Group at the Park Avenue Community Center and had fun playing blind bingo.
Martha enjoyed playing bridge, going to movies, and playing blind bingo. Martha loved spending time with her family not only for the holidays, but also with the intent to spend quality time together. She made many good friends throughout her life and stayed close to several of them, even till her final days. She was dearly loved by her family and friends.
Martha is survived by her son, Timothy Halstead; daughter, Leslie Halstead; and two grandchildren; André Doria and Alissa Perdue. She is preceded in death by her parents, Clarence “Jerry” and Kathleen (Burns) Hays; sister, Mary Lee Ratajkowski; and son, Charles “Steven” Halstead.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Braille Institute in San Diego, CA (858-452-1111) or the San Diego Center for the Blind in Vista, CA (760-758-5956).
There will a private celebration of life in her honor.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.humphreymortuary.com for the Halstead family.
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