Esther Atiyeh Martin (1914-2006) OR, NY & Philly, PA
MARTIN, ESTHER ATIYEH, passed away peacefully Oct. 26, 2006 in North Wales, PA at Alterra Wynnewood Home. Mrs. Martin was born in 1914 in Portland, OR to Aziz Atiyeh and Selma Mallouk Atiyeh and later moved to Brooklyn, NY at the age of 6. Mrs. Martin graduated from Adelphi University. In Dec. 1939, she married John Martin, a young attorney from Phila. she met playing tennis at her family's home in Milford, PA. Mr. and Mrs. Martin made their home in Chestnut Hill for 54 years. She was involved in many local organizations including Questers, The Bird in Hand Shop, and the Woodmere Art Gallery, where she served on the Board of Directors. Her family heritage was the manufacture and sale of Persian rugs. As a result she was often consulted regarding "Oriental rugs". Mrs. Martin was a longtime member of St. Paul's Church and the Philadelphia Cricket Club where she pursued her bridge playing quest of becoming a life master. She was also a member of the Forest Lake Club, typically catching larger bass than her husband. Mrs. Martin is survived by her daughter Sandra Pedrick; her son, William Martin and wife Phyllis. She is also survived by a granddaughter Alison Paillard and husband Stephan; 2 grandsons, Jonathan and Michael Martin; and a great grandson Brian Paillard. Mrs. Martin was predeceased by her daughter Patricia Martin in 1991; her husband John Martin in 1998; and a son-in-law Samuel Pedrick in 2006. Private services are being held. Donations may be sent to St. Paul's Church, 22 E. Chestnut Hill Ave., Phila., PA 19118.
Published in the Philadelphia Inquirer & Philadelphia Daily News on 10/27/2006.