About This Memory Space
This page was created for Martha Armstrong Phelan's family and friends as a place to remember them, to share stories, and to keep their memory close in everyday life.
It is cared for and added to over time by the people who knew them, and everyone is invited to contribute, whether that is a story, a photo, a few words, or a simple note.
Many families visit places like this not just once, but again and again, especially on quiet days or meaningful anniversaries. This page is here for those moments, wherever you are.
A place to return to when you want to feel close again, to remember a moment, or to leave a few words for others to read. Over time, it grows through the voices of everyone who knew and loved them.
Light a Candle Growing
Light a candle to honor Martha Armstrong Phelan's memory. Each lighting keeps their memory burning bright for 23 hours.
Candle lit burns 23 hours. Come back and light it again after 23 hours to keep the memory burning.
Limited to 5 lightings per hour to prevent abuse.
Memory Wall Growing
Stories, photos, and memories shared by people who knew Martha Armstrong Phelan. This is the heart of this space—a collection that grows as more people contribute.
No memories posted yet. Be the first to share a story or memory.
Life & Legacy
Martha Armstrong Phelan, known affectionately as Marty, embodied a vibrant spirit of adventure, creativity, and unwavering strength, leaving an indelible mark on her communities through decades of joyful pursuits and devoted service.
Born in the close-knit town of Shelby, Ohio, Marty flourished amid family and friends, building a foundation of curiosity and resilience. After excelling at Shelby High School, she pursued higher education at Oberlin College and honed her skills at Katherine Gibbs Secretarial School in Chicago. Her talents drew the attention of the C.I.A., where she enhanced their administrative teams in Washington, D.C.—a chapter that also sparked a lifelong romance. Later, in New York City, she adeptly oversaw operations for the Committee for Free Asia. Returning to Shelby for over five decades, Marty infused her days with music as a longtime choir member at Shelby Presbyterian Church, nurtured her passion for beauty through the Shelby Garden Club, and embraced life's thrills like boating, travel, ping-pong, and floral artistry. Even in her later years at Mystic Bay in Indianapolis, she cultivated new connections, contributed to grounds committees, and worshipped at Meridian Street United Methodist Church, all while delighting in her expanding family circle.
Marty's professional journey showcased her sharp intellect and organizational prowess. Recruited by the C.I.A. to refine its secretarial operations, she brought efficiency and excellence to a high-stakes environment. She later directed the office for the Committee for Free Asia in New York, managing key initiatives with poise. Throughout her life, her administrative expertise supported family caregiving and community roles, from church choirs to garden clubs.
Family & Loved Ones
Marty poured her boundless energy into nurturing her three children—Anne, Dave, and Beth—while simultaneously tending to her aging parents and husband Vincent, the love she met in Washington. Her home buzzed with the warmth of shared meals, including her renowned homemade applesauce, and playful competitions over ping-pong. This devotion blossomed into cherished bonds with five grandchildren (Breanne Borne, Kaitlin Duran, Marie Amundson, Terri Cariolla, and Connor Phelan), three step-grandchildren (Kristina Roth, Brian Baker, and Julia Riley), and twelve great-grandchildren, filling her world with laughter, stories, and endless affection.
Remembered by Friends & Family
Tributes from Marty's circle capture a woman whose infectious enthusiasm and kindness rippled through generations, with many recalling her as the spirited gardener and family anchor who turned ordinary moments into cherished adventures.
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