Dolores M. Martin

Dolores M. Martin of Burlington Township died peacefully on Friday, November 10, 2023. She was 95. Dolores’ colorful life began in Brooklyn, New York. She was the daughter of Theresa and John Massa and had six brothers and sisters: Michael (died at 6 months), Michael J. Massa, Edward Massa (died at age 6), Charles P. (Sonny) Massa, Anna M. Massa, and Eugenia R. (Jean) Massa, all of whom predeceased her. She was a true Italian -- her ancestors having come to the United States from Naples, Italy in 1906. Her life growing up in a large Brooklyn Italian family prepared her to be a gregarious person and one who was self-reliant. She was an avid Brooklyn Dodgers fan. She often visited Ebbets Field to cheer for her beloved Dodgers. Dolores’ early married life found her living on five different military bases across the country. Here her gift of friendship and hospitality were refined. Dolores loved to entertain family and friends (and their families and friends) with warmth and humor, serving up the tastiest Italian food in the land. Dolores was proud of her 22 years as a civil servant at Fort Dix. She began as a card punch operator and retired as a contract specialist. At her retirement celebration it was noted that, “Dolores was routinely appointed as Acting Chief of the various sections, branches, and divisions she worked in due to her supervisor’s confidence in her talent, abilities and responsibility.” After her official retirement from civil service she worked part-time another 15 years for Interplast in Burlington. She was a hard worker who was valued and loved in all the positions she held. While working a Fort Dix she met Ray Martin who became the love of her life. They married in 1971 and developed many common interests including various sports and traveling in the States and abroad. Dolores was a fierce competitor who reveled in winning on the tennis courts and the golf course (even the miniature golf course!). She was a member of the Fort Dix golf club and won a trophy for Club Champion in her age group for best net score. Dolores and Ray enjoyed many years of skiing and especially enjoyed the slopes of the West and Europe. They were active members of the West Jersey Ski Club (Willingboro Ski Club) where they met many of their dearest friends. Her passion for sports kept her skiing until she retired (reluctantly) from the sport at 80, and was golfing into her 90’s. Dolores was indomitable, with a vibrant, sassy personality, quick wit, and beautiful smile. She was a stylish dresser throughout her life sporting hats, sunglasses, and signature scarves. She earned the nickname, “Hollywood” at the YMCA where she participated in water aerobics. She had a gift for conversation and was sure to make you aware of her opinion on any given topic. You can take the girl out of Brooklyn, but you can’t take the Brooklyn out of the girl! Dolores was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 45 years, Ray Martin. She is survived by three children: James (Barbara) Clay of Sicklerville, Janet (Gary) Perrotta of Burlington Township, and Kenneth (Sheila) Clay of Seattle, WA, stepson Woodrow (Geretta) Martin of Littlefield, TX; six grandchildren: Jason (Laura), Jennifer (BJ), Daniel, Rachel (Dylan), Joseph and Noah; and seven great-grandchildren: Hayley, Joshua, Elliott, David, Grace, Daniel and Danica. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Paul Roman Catholic Church, 223 E Union St, Burlington, NJ 08016, on Saturday, November 25th with visitation from 10:30am to 11am followed by the Mass at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or to a charity of your choice.

Dolores M. Martin

August 20, 1928 - November 10, 2023