Obituary of Elizabeth P. Marten

It is with a heavy heart that we announce, Elizabeth “Betty” Marten, 83, passed away the evening of April 22^nd, 2025. She was born in Brooklyn, NY to William and Lillian (nee McNulty) Quackenbush.

She is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Robert. Betty was the beloved mother of Laura, Robert (Trisha), Paul (Theresa), Claire (Ron), and Christopher (Tara). Cherished grandmother of Paul, Lily, Madeline, Robert, Jillian, Christopher, Grace, Nick, Nina, Caroline and William. She is survived by her brother, Bill (Lynne) Quackenbush and preceded in death by her sister, Theresa Norris. Betty also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Betty met Bob when they were teenagers and since that time they were never apart. Sixty-three years later they were still listening to their records, singing along, holding hands and making each other laugh. They were a couple to be admired.

Our mother was happiest surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She so enjoyed showing the world to her children, and then again to her grandchildren, taking us on trips to the beach, camping in the woods, exploring museums and on many adventures to share a new experience with us. When we were young, she would eagerly sit with us on the porch to experience the dramatic sights and sounds of an approaching thunderstorm. She taught us how much there is to learn and appreciate in the world, to see the beauty in nature, and the simple things there are to enjoy in everyone’s life. Things that can easily be overlooked.

Before there was the internet, there was our mom. Our mother read everything and she stored that data. If you had a problem or question, she could recall an article she read years ago that might be of help, chances are she still had that article tucked away in her den, or transcribed in one of her many journals. We would jokingly refer to this as the “Big Book.” Going through her journals, we found that when she passed, she wanted to be quoted as saying “The Big Book is finally finished.” We are going to miss that “Big Book” and all the answers that came from it, but most of all we will miss her, her kindness, love and laughter will always be in our hearts.

As per our mother’s wishes, a memorial mass will be arranged in the near future.