Helen Hall Martin
May 5, 1927 ~ August 8, 2021
Helen Hall Martin
May 5, 1927 to August 8, 2021
Helen Hall Martin of McLean, VA, passed away peacefully at the Virginia Hospital Center on Sunday, August 8, 2021, at the age of 94. Helen is survived by her dear sister, Irene Santo Ayres; daughters, Susan Aileen Hall (David Bass), Melinda Mary Hall (Lawrence Pratt), and Leslie Ann Hall (William Busis); stepsons, Robert Russell Martin (Sharon), Mark Jeffrey Martin (Donna), and Joseph Frederick Martin; 13 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and her beloved caregiver, Meskerem Asfaw. She was preceded in death by her second husband, Frederick J.D. Martin; her first husband, Robert Murphy Hall; her sister Mary Santo; and her parents, Mary and Joseph Santo.
Helen was born in Columbus, Ohio, in a Hungarian community, where she learned to speak English only after starting school. Growing up, she was a member of the Hungarian Reformed Church. She attended Ohio State University and received a B.S. in accounting. After graduating, she worked at an accounting firm in Columbus, and married Robert M. Hall in 1952. In 1956, they moved to Wilmington, DE, and in 1960, they moved to McLean, VA, where they settled permanently to raise their three daughters. Summers were spent in Bethany Beach, DE, which became Helen’s heart’s home.
After Robert passed away in 1976, Helen worked as a tax preparer for several years. She also did some traveling, including a memorable trip to Italy and Greece with her daughters. In 1989, she married her second husband, Frederick J.D. Martin, who, with his three sons, doubled the size of Helen’s family. Helen and Fred traveled extensively following his retirement, and with Fred’s encouragement, she hiked up Diamond Head in Hawaii, despite her lifelong fear of heights. They also kept busy with their ever-expanding family over the decades, knitting two families into one.
Helen was an active member of Lewinsville Presbyterian Church, particularly in the music program. She sang in the choir and for many years was an enthusiastic handbell chorister. She was an avid bridge player for her entire adult life, and she thoroughly enjoyed solving daily crossword puzzles as well. Helen was a devoted and loving wife and mother with a sharp mind and a wonderful sense of humor. She was universally loved, remaining kind and gracious to all throughout her life. For someone who was only 4 feet, 10-1/2 inches, she had a huge impact on many lives and will be dearly missed.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to:
Lewinsville Presbyterian Church Foundation Lewinsville.org/Lewinsville-Foundation
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society LLS.org
Alzheimer's Foundation AlzFdn.org
Doctors without Borders DoctorsWithoutBorders.org
Please view and sign the family's online guestbook at www.MoneyAndKing.com
May 5, 1927 to August 8, 2021
Helen Hall Martin of McLean, VA, passed away peacefully at the Virginia Hospital Center on Sunday, August 8, 2021, at the age of 94. Helen is survived by her dear sister, Irene Santo Ayres; daughters, Susan Aileen Hall (David Bass), Melinda Mary Hall (Lawrence Pratt), and Leslie Ann Hall (William Busis); stepsons, Robert Russell Martin (Sharon), Mark Jeffrey Martin (Donna), and Joseph Frederick Martin; 13 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and her beloved caregiver, Meskerem Asfaw. She was preceded in death by her second husband, Frederick J.D. Martin; her first husband, Robert Murphy Hall; her sister Mary Santo; and her parents, Mary and Joseph Santo.
Helen was born in Columbus, Ohio, in a Hungarian community, where she learned to speak English only after starting school. Growing up, she was a member of the Hungarian Reformed Church. She attended Ohio State University and received a B.S. in accounting. After graduating, she worked at an accounting firm in Columbus, and married Robert M. Hall in 1952. In 1956, they moved to Wilmington, DE, and in 1960, they moved to McLean, VA, where they settled permanently to raise their three daughters. Summers were spent in Bethany Beach, DE, which became Helen’s heart’s home.
After Robert passed away in 1976, Helen worked as a tax preparer for several years. She also did some traveling, including a memorable trip to Italy and Greece with her daughters. In 1989, she married her second husband, Frederick J.D. Martin, who, with his three sons, doubled the size of Helen’s family. Helen and Fred traveled extensively following his retirement, and with Fred’s encouragement, she hiked up Diamond Head in Hawaii, despite her lifelong fear of heights. They also kept busy with their ever-expanding family over the decades, knitting two families into one.
Helen was an active member of Lewinsville Presbyterian Church, particularly in the music program. She sang in the choir and for many years was an enthusiastic handbell chorister. She was an avid bridge player for her entire adult life, and she thoroughly enjoyed solving daily crossword puzzles as well. Helen was a devoted and loving wife and mother with a sharp mind and a wonderful sense of humor. She was universally loved, remaining kind and gracious to all throughout her life. For someone who was only 4 feet, 10-1/2 inches, she had a huge impact on many lives and will be dearly missed.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to:
Lewinsville Presbyterian Church Foundation Lewinsville.org/Lewinsville-Foundation
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society LLS.org
Alzheimer's Foundation AlzFdn.org
Doctors without Borders DoctorsWithoutBorders.org
Please view and sign the family's online guestbook at www.MoneyAndKing.com
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What joy I experienced to travel to Bethany Beach with Grandma Irene and Grandpa for so many summers to visit Aunt Helen & Fred! Grandma Rene always glowed to be with her dear sister and husband together – her two favorite people! I feel so blessed that I spent some time with her in 2019 while bringing Irene to visit. With a sharp mind, big heart, and beautiful spirit and smile, we enjoyed catching up and sharing stories. Not having a sister myself, I have loved being touched by the endearment between Irene and Helen. May we all live such full and wonderful lives! My hugs and prayers to all who loved her.
What a beautiful picture, Debby! Quite a pair, those two! –Susan
So sorry to hear of Helen’s passing. I will always remember her kindness and lovely smile! Doris Page Trinity UMC
Do the funeral home staff receive bonuses based on the amount of money they are able to convince grieving families to spend on funeral arrangements?