Jacqueline Joan Martin

Jacqueline Joan Martin (Valenty) passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 30th, at home surrounded by family. While our hearts are heavy, we comfort ourselves with the knowledge that she has reunited with her beloved husband, Dennis J. Martin, with whom she shared over 50 years of a beautiful, deeply devoted marriage. Living across the street from each other in Wexford, PA, they turned friendship into a marriage that was the bedrock of their entire family. 

Born on September 29,1950 to Joseph and Charlene Valenty with her brother Joseph T. Valenty (Kathy) and Teresa Houpt (Joe), she lived a life defined by an extraordinary capacity to love. To know her was to understand the true meaning of selflessness. She walked through life with strength, a loving heart, and a home that was always impeccable, especially at Christmas and when she was hosting friends and family.

Raising twelve children is a remarkable feat, but she did not just raise a large family; she built a sanctuary of warmth, laughter, and unconditional support. She possessed a rare magic that allowed her to make all her children feel like they were her favorite. She taught her children the values of kindness, hard work, and the importance of looking out for one another and others.

Beyond her family, she was a cornerstone of her community. While raising her children, she worked tirelessly for the church in multiple capacities such as helping pregnant women, leading the guild, starting a youth group for teens, providing sanctuary for refugees, and she even supported the school’s athletic department. 

With her best friend and aunt, Roberta Obusek, she earned a degree from Carlow University. She then worked as an EMT for Valley Ambulance Authority providing her sense of care to others. Later, she was an award-winning kitchen designer at Home Depot where she was a valued employee and shared her unique ability to make things work well while being beautiful.

She is survived by her 12 devoted children, Michele Russo, Michael (Karen) Martin, Matthew (Lisa) Martin, Mark (Lisa) Martin, Dennis Jr. Martin, Melissa (Derek) Molitor, John (Kelsey) Martin, Joseph (Kyleigh) Martin, Erin Martin (Michael), Adam Martin, Meghan Martin (Henry), Robert Martin (Bianca), her 17 beloved grandchildren Anthony (Megan) Dabiero, Abigail Russo, Teagan and Morgan Martin, Nicholas and Mia Martin, Lydia Martin, Doak, Rowan, and Bodhi Molitor, Jack and Emmett Martin, Liam, Eli, Emma, and Ava Martin, and Olivia Schatzel, and her 3 great grandchildren, Jack, Hannah, and Madison Dabiero each of whom carry her gentle spirit. She was really ‘something else’ who will never be forgotten.

A visitation will be held on September 3rd from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM at Copeland Funeral Home, 702 Beaver Street, Sewickley, PA. A funeral service celebrating her extraordinary life will take place on September 4th at 10:30 AM at St. James - Divine Redeemer Parish, 200 Walnut Street, Sewickley, PA. ON FRIDAY, EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT ST. JAMES CHURCH.

In honor of Jacki’s love for the holidays and her giving heart, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, that you simply perform an act of kindness for a neighbor or someone in need this holiday season

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