Martha Frances Stoker Kirkpatrick died peacefully on June 16, 2026 at the age of 102. Born to Gardner Mark Stoker and Mary Frances Boucher Stoker on May 4, 1924, she was the 5th child of what would become 9 children.

The family spent some time living in Blackwood, VA which Martha remembered as some of the happiest years of her life. While there, they hired a young woman named Helen who helped with the children. After Martha’s mother was diagnosed with cancer the family moved to the Philadelphia area for medical treatment. Following the death of Martha’s mother they relocated to Beaverdale, PA so Martha’s father could work in the coal mining business with his father-in-law. Helen went with the family and subsequently became step-mother, caring for the original children and having six of her own.

Martha’s life was one of helping to raise the younger children and household duties. She was valedictorian of her high school class. After graduating from business school, Martha moved to Washington DC to live with her older sister Gertrude. While there she worked for the Department of State during which time she was part of a state department contingent traveling to Geneva, Switzerland for a United Nations conference having to do with postwar refugees in Europe.

Martha met Charles Kirkpatrick, a soon to be Maryland State Trooper. They were married in 1948 until his death in 2010. Martha and Charles lived in Centreville, MD, then Easton, MD raising Marti, Michael and Carol. After 16 years the family was blessed with another son John. In 1974 Martha, Charles and John moved to Westminster, MD to finish out Charle’s state police career at the headquarters in Pikesville. Wherever Martha lived, she made a beautiful home for the family, holding the household together throughout her husband’s career. She was a cub scout den mother, a school room mother, talented seamstress and very active in her church parishes. Martha was a loving and active grandma to her 5 grandchildren and a step-granddaughter and is remembered for her kindness and homemade goodies. Martha was blessed with ten great grandchildren and able to enjoy them until close to her death.

Martha was predeceased by her parents, stepmother, many brothers and sisters, her husband, a step-granddaughter Kelly, and son-in-law Gerry.

She is survived by 2 sisters; Sarah and Helen, many nieces and nephews and leaves behind her four children, Marti, Mike (Lisa), Carol and John (Kathy); five grandchildren; Matthew (Thaniya), Mark (Krista), and Nick (Regan), Rachel (Christina) and Paul (Allison) and ten great-grandchildren; Lily, Sarah, Norah, Belle, Charlie, Hunter, Tristan, Nolan, Harper and Payton.

We will miss this kindhearted, gracious, dignified, strong woman who was proud to be “from the hills of western Pennsylvania”. Rest in peace mom.

There will be a Catholic Mass on Friday, June 26, 11:00 AM at St John Catholic Church, 43 Monroe St., Westminster MD with a visitation at the church one hour before.  Burial and reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local hospice or St. Vincent de Paul Society.