Memorial grove in loving memory of Stefania Stith

**Update 8/11/2023 - Hey family and friends! Just wanted to thank you again for your generosity, kindness and care. I have closed out this fundraiser and submitted payment in full to The Trees Remember. Because we raised so much, they are doing a bulk purchase and 700 trees will be planted in Maryland in Memory of Stefania Stith (aka Grams/Stithy)! Appreciate you all, and I know Grams would be tickled with our efforts. Be well and remember to hug a tree! They are truly the gift that keeps on giving.

**UPDATE ~ Thank you all for your kindness, support and generosity! We met our goal, so in support of the environment and The Trees Remembered, let's plant a forest of 500 trees! Grams would approve.

8/28/1918 – 6/26/2023

Our dearly beloved, Stefania Stith, passed from natural causes on June 26, 2023 after a full 104 years of love, laughter and luck. She is survived by her son Dale Roger Martin, granddaughter Rachael Lynne Millikan, and two nieces, Pat Bishop and Marlene Burkhardt. She is predeceased by son Kent Barry Martin and former husbands Bernard Cheston Goldberg Jr. (AKA Martin) and Robert Joseph Stith.

A first-generation American, proudly 100% Lithuanian, and Marylander for life, she was a young widow with two sons. She survived WW1 and WW2 (where her husband Bernard Martin served). She also survived two pandemics. Her colored work career included an Administrative role with the Government (FBI), Jewelry sales at Bailey Banks & Biddle (Columbia Mall) and time as a private assistant to aging retirees.

A World traveler, Senior Olympics medalist (backstroke), dancer, and enjoyer of scholarly pursuits including several years of National traveling and education with Elderhostel International (now Road Scholar), she was known for seizing the day. Always up for singing a tune, dancing a dance, playing cards, telling a good joke, pulling the slots, wagering a bet and enjoying a cold beer and crabs, she walked the world with a smile on her face and in her heart. She said she had the ‘gift of gab’ and anyone who knew her was more than happy to partake. At the end of a gab session, she’d say “Forget everything I just said” and fall into laughter. Her positive and hopeful spirit was contagious.

Often described as an inspirational joy-bringer filled with pearls of wisdom she will be missed by all who knew her kind, generous and stubborn heart! We hope to carry her joie de vivre with us as we think of and remember her, with love, always.

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In her honor, we will plant 105 trees, the extra for good luck! The living tribute will be a memorial grove planted in Maryland to improve the water quality of the main stem of the Chesapeake Bay by reducing non-point source pollution, namely inputs of nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended solids. You can read all about it and the specific trees planted here: www.thetreesremember.com