Carolyn Hendershott Martin

Carolyn Hendershott Martin, age 91, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2025. Born on March 11, 1934, in Trenton, New Jersey, Carolyn led a life marked by love, learning, and devotion to her family and community.

She earned her undergraduate degree from Trinity College in Washington, D.C., and went on to receive a master’s degree from Catholic University. In 1959, she married the love of her life, Donald Martin, with whom she shared 21 joyful years of marriage until his passing in 1980. Together, they raised five children, who remained the heart of her world.

Carolyn and Donald made their home in Morrisville, Pennsylvania, where they raised their family until moving to Florham Park, New Jersey, in 1976. In 1991, Carolyn settled in Woodstock, Maryland, where she spent her remaining years surrounded by loved ones.

She is survived by her children: Donald Martin Jr. and his wife Elisabet of Ellicott City, Maryland; Richard Martin of Orange Park, Florida; Carole DeSimone and her husband Angelo of Wayne, New Jersey; Mary Vaccarino and her husband John of Sykesville, Maryland; and Ellen Martin of Frederick, Maryland. She was a devoted grandmother to Adam Martin, David Martin and his wife Monica, Anna Azarian and her wife Alexa, Caroline Martin, Allie DeSimone, Jack Vaccarino, and Tess Vaccarino. She was also the proud great-grandmother of Grace Martin.

Carolyn spent many years as a high school social studies teacher, inspiring generations of students. In 1981, she embraced a new chapter working at the phone company. A woman of deep faith, she was actively involved in her church, singing in the choir and contributing to her parish in countless meaningful ways. She cherished card games with friends and traveling to new places, always embracing life with curiosity and warmth.

Above all, Carolyn will be remembered as a smart, strong, and determined woman whose love and resilience touched everyone she met.

A viewing will be held on Sunday, July 13, from 3:00-5:00PM at the Harry H. Witzke’s Family Funeral Home, located at 4112 Old Columbia Pike in Ellicott City.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 14, in the chapel at the Church of the Resurrection, located at 3175 Paulskirk Drive in Ellicott City.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in her honor.

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