Obituary: MARTHA BEATTIE (nee Skelly)

MARTHA BEATTIE (nee Skelly), age 88 of Valley View, passed away March 13, 2021. Martha was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland on March 15, 1932. She immigrated to the United States in early 1956 to follow and marry her hometown sweetheart William Beattie later that year. They raised two children, David and Karen. Fondly known as Meta, she was a loving and kindhearted woman. She briefly worked locally as a dark room technician for Dodd Camera; a skill she attained while working in the aerial photography department of Belfast’s Short and Harland Aircraft Manufacturing. She was a devoted mother, pouring her heart and soul into her children. She was an active member of Independence Presbyterian Church, being most comfortable serving behind the scenes. Later years were spent seated in her driveway keeping an afternoon eye on Schreiber Road with William, fondly known as Billy, at her side. She adored her children, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was a warm, sincere, gentle, grateful and unselfish woman, with a gift for genuine conversation and an Irish welcome extended to anyone crossing her doorstep. Martha is survived by her son David (Debbie) and daughter Karen (James); grandchildren, Elise, Kayla, Emily, Jimmy, Maura, Grace, and Luke; great-grandchildren, Logan and Ryan; and dear friend Mary Lou Brown. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 63 years William and her parents. Private services were celebrated. ARRANGEMENTS BY FERFOLIA FUNERAL HOME (330-467-4500).