Josephine W. Martens

Josephine Winifred Foxwell Martens, 86, of Manville, NJ, peacefully passed away November 25, 2015. Josephine was born on January 15, 1929, in Rangoon, Burma. She had met her husband Lionel who was a member of the Belgium Air Force, in England and they were married in Cork, Ireland. Josephine dedicated her life to music as the local renowned organist of many churches. Her love of music was heard not only in the beautiful way she played the organ, but also by her lovely voice. Josephine assembled multiple choirs in the churches celebrating her faith. Josephine was known as the woman you can lean on in the time of need. She dedicated her early life as a nurse in England and continued her love of helping others in years of extensive service on local rescue squads including the Manville First Aide and Rescue Squad, the Millstone Rescue Squad and the Finderne Rescue Squad. Josephine was an active member of Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, the Altar Rosary Society and the Columbiettes. She was a lifelong supporter of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the Blue Army. She is predeceased by her parents George and Josephine Gordon-Foxwell and by two brothers Dr. Rodney Foxwell and John Steel Foxwell. She is survived by her husband of 59 years Lionel Joseph Martens; her four daughters Angele Palmer and her husband Richard of Hillsborough, NJ, Elinor Martens of Bethlehem, PA, Edwina Drozd and her husband Edward of Saylorsburg, PA. and Godelieve Babey and her husband Michael of Hillsborough, NJ, a sister, Sister Elinor Foxwell F.M.M. of England and a brother, Peter Foxwell of England. She is also survived by nine grandchildren, Christopher Palmer, Kelsey Palmer, Anne Martens, Nichol Drozd, Jonathan Drozd and his wife Kerri, Erica Drozd, Danielle Drozd, Tyler Babey and Dale Babey and by three great-grandchildren Dominic, Nicholas and Brayden. The viewing will be on Tuesday December 1, 2015 from 4:30 to 7:30 PM at the Ketusky Funeral Home, 1310 Brooks Blvd., Manville, NJ. (908)575-8512. The Funeral will be on Wednesday December 2, 2015 8:15 AM from the Ketusky Funeral Home followed by a 9:00 AM Mass at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church (Christ The Redeemer Parish), 136 South Main Street, Manville, NJ 08835. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her memory to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Tribute Program, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or by calling 1-800-805-5856 or www.stjude.org or to The Blue Army, 674 Mountain View Road, Washington, NJ 07882 or by going to www.wafusa.org. For additional information please visit our website at www.ketusky.com.

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Josephine W. Martens

January 15, 1929 - November 25, 2015