Martha Kohlwey

Martha Dee Richards Kohlwey was born in Akron, Ohio on April 24, 1948 and grew up in Lakewood, Ohio. Following graduation from Cleveland High School and then Tufts University in 1970, Marty had a long career as an Occupational Therapist at St. Johns Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Hissom Memorial Center, The State of Oklahoma DHHS, and George Nigh Rehab Center. She dedicated her life to serving others, being a fierce advocate for those with intellectual disabilities, and inspiration to those around her to become advocates themselves. Although proud of her professional career, Marty's proudest accomplishment was her family. A chance encounter with Dean on a flight headed back to school in Boston led to a lifetime of love and memories for them, and a lesson of unconditional love for everyone around them.

She is survived by Dean, her husband of 53 years, her siblings: Fred and Kim, her three children: Sarah, Erin, and Christopher, her five grandchildren: Joshua, Garrett, Lauren, Isabella, and Emorie, and her dog, Max.

It is impossible to impart one's life on others who have not intimately known them. Professional relationships with Marty would reveal an incredibly intelligent, well-spoken, and driven individual who set high standards for not only herself but others around her. To know her on a personal level, you would have found a gutsy, independent, adventurous soul always up for just about anything. She loved traveling and experiencing new places, cultures, and foods. She was a talented knitter and quilter who could also do just about anything with any fabric. But most of all, she was patient, kind, and forgiving.

While the loss of our mother, sister, friend, and devoted wife has left a tremendous void in our lives, she has left behind her gift of love and generosity. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Oklahoma chapter of the Alzheimer's Association and Seasons Hospice.
 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Martha Kohlwey, please visit our floral store.