Catherine "Kay" Martens

Catherine was born in Yonkers on August 9, 1924. She was the seventh of nine children born to George A. Lamb and Margaret Olive Lamb (Fitzpatrick) and was predeceased by her three brothers and five sisters, including her dear twin, Marie. Kay grew up in Bronxville and Yonkers; she was the last surviving member of the Lamb family, living to the age of 97, and was looking forward to her 100th!

Kay is survived by her son, William Martens (Rita); daughter, Dianne Picciano (Philip), and daughter, Debra Martens (Richard Farnham). She also leaves behind her beloved Grandchildren, Amy DeLousia, Kenneth P. Byrnes (Regina), Eric Martens (Laura), Thomas Martens (Kristen), Jenny Ybarra (Greg) and Gerard T. Spence (Kelly). She was blessed with 15 precious Great Grandchildren.

During World War II, Kay was a “Rosie”, working at North American Phillips Company. She later worked at N.Y. Telephone Co. and Fleischman’s in the 60’s. She met and married Albert R. Martens on November 11, 1945 at St. Anthony’s RC Church in Nepera Park, Yonkers. Mr. Martens predeceased her in 2004.

Kay and Al moved to Verplanck in 1962, where she became a proud “WestEnder” and “Pointer”. She recently moved back there with her daughter and son-in-law, and just loved being by the river again.

A bright and spirited individual, Kay quickly made many friends here; She was a second Mom to all her children’s friends, and was and is loved by all.

Kay had never driven, and, hence, walked everywhere, mainly with her best friend, Rosemarie (Dutsie) Burns. She would walk to Steamboat dock every evening to sit and chat with her “dock buddies”, after spending the summer days at Little White Beach or the coal dock.

In the 1980’s Kay participated in the Westchester Senior Olympics, and brought home the gold! She was so proud of her many medals, having won in almost every category. She had so many medals around her neck that day that people started calling her “Mrs. T” and “The Bionic Woman”. She was very athletic and fit most of her life. She also enjoyed her scratch offs and playing lotto; it is ironic that her favorite number 456 came in Saturday, on the night of her passing (No, we did not play it that night!). Kay was also extremely proud to be of Irish descent.

Kay loved “The Feast” of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, and was so looking forward to the 100th Celebration this coming July. It was the height of the summer, when she would connect with friends, young and old. Kay was old, but she was never an “old lady”. She will be remembered for her kindness and caring nature, and positive outlook on life. She was always interested in YOU!

Kay will be greatly missed by her family and friends, and we know how blessed we were to have had her with us all these years. We would especially like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Hero doctors, nurses, security and clerical workers at N.Y. Presbyterian Hospital Cortlandt for their excellent care and compassion. Also, thanks to the Verplanck Ambulance Corps, The efforts of Westchester/Putnam Hospice Care, and to Dr. James Trapasso and staff for excellent care over these many years.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Let It Shine Food Pantry, Box 818, Verplanck, NY 10596

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Society, Box 40, Verplanck, NY 10596

There will be a wake for Catherine at The Edward F. Carter Funeral Home in Montrose, New York, from 3-7 p.m. on Thursday, January 13, 2022. Mass will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, January 14th at St. Patrick’s Church in Verplanck. Burial will follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery also in Verplanck.