Martha J. Kossman

Martha Kossman

August 29, 1929 - May 12, 2016

On a bright spring morning, Thursday May 12, Martha, age 86 of Ross Township, quietly left this world. Beloved wife of Harry W., together blessed with 54 years of deliriously happy marriage before he died in 2002. Loving mother of Susan, Carol Green and Mary Jo (Anthony) Benedetti, proud grandmother of Josh (Tonya) Green, Bill Green and Anthony Benedetti Jr, doting great-grandmother of Layla and Jake Green. Martha enjoyed family and handily dispensed wisdom through her wit and humor. Born to Frederick and Martha Jaecke, predeceased by siblings Jack and William Jaecke and Daisy Hermann, Martha is survived by sisters in law, Willa Jaecke and June Kossman, many fine nieces and nephews, and many dear friends and neighbors. Treasured friend and cherished companion of Gustave Wolf, together they shared love and precious time filled with gourmet meals, gospel music, movies, gardening and bird watching. Martha was seen dressed up, heading out on dates more often than others half her age could hope for. Martha graduated from Oliver High School in 1948. Until her retirement in 1992, Martha brightened the offices as secretary of Cumberland and Middle Road schools with enthusiasm and charm. Martha sang weekly with angelic voice from the back pews at St Johns Evangelical Lutheran Church. Always in the thick of things, Martha served as a Girl Scout troop leader, union negotiator, and many years on the board of the Mellwood Womens Club. Gifted in delicate handiwork, Martha created masterpiece cross-stitch, perfect wicker baskets and toasty crocheted afghans. In 2011 Martha suffered a stroke leaving her with some physical impairment but most unfairly with Aphasia, an inability to express her thoughts through words. Martha worked hard to regain communication, the silence especially difficult because she so enjoyed engaging with others. During this time Martha developed a special relationship with her home helper Rachael Maybee. Rachael’s compassionate aid enabled Martha to retain dignity and independence, and most importantly made her days fun. Martha, with her delightfully positive perspective, always ready with a smile, a jab and an encouraging word, always willing to do her best and never critical, leaves us with a parting challenge to always put forth our best effort, and be kind and generous and happy in our daily lives. Keep on the Sunny Side! Friends will be received Monday 6-8 pm and Tuesday 2-8 pm, DEVLIN FUNERAL HOME, 806 Perry Highway, Pittsburgh PA 15229. Funeral service at 11 am on Wednesday at St Johns Evangelical Lutheran Church, 920 Perry Highway, Pittsburgh PA 15229 – please meet at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to PA Breast Cancer Coalition: www.pabreastcancer.org Homes for Our Troops: www.hfotusa.org or National Aphasia Association www.aphasia.org