Martha Jane Orr, 86 of Valparaiso, Indiana, passed away Tuesday, February 14, 2023. She was born May 28, 1936, in Fredonia, Kentucky to the late James Freeman Patterson and Beatrice (Riley) Patterson. Martha graduated from Emerson High School in Gary, and worked in the cafeteria at Boone Grove Schools for many years. She was an active member of the Restoration Church in Valparaiso, and a regular in the pool at the YMCA. You could find her in the mornings having coffee with some of her many friends at McDonald’s. Martha will be lovingly remembered by her family and friends.
Martha is survived by her children: Deborah Murray, Barbara (Chuck) Jonas, and Michael (Jennifer) Murray; grandchildren: Cody, Casey, Kalyn, Courtney, and Declan; great-grandchildren: Ella, Cru, Iris, Levi, Henry, Otto, and Willa; siblings: Barbara Martin and James Patterson; and many loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert “Bob” Orr; son, Robert Lee Murray, Jr., and grandson, Kyle Rickard.
A celebration of Martha’s life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to any breast cancer research foundation of the donor’s choice or the Valparaiso YMCA.
GUESTBOOK
So sorry about your loss! I feel sure Martha is rejoicing with Bob, Bobby and Beatrice tonite!! Prayers for all!! -Kenneth and Donna Gray
Martha was such a good friend. She and other neighbors in Valpo’s McCord and Tuckahoe Park neighborhood can attest to her kindness and friendliness. She knew everybody and brought people together. I miss you, Martha. -Lucy Hrivnak
Our deepest condolences to the family. We had been neighbors of Martha for many years. What a blessing it was to have known her. -Paul and Nancy Fredericks
We will forever miss Martha. She was a neighbor of ours in Valpo's McCord neighborhood. She knew us always and was the kindest and friendliest. We looked forward to seeing her walking in the neighborhood with her dog Sophie. She would stop and chat with us and it was a joy to visit with her always. We will miss you! -Lois and Robin Brown
I knew Martha when she attended CrossPointe Christian Church. She was a wonderful, energetic, positive person. She was an encouragement when I had cancer and always asked how my twin was doing as my twin battled cancer. She was a lovely, caring person! -Bonnie Weitzel
Sorry for your loss, I have been neighbors with Marth since I moved to McCord rd 8yrs ago. She was such a sweet lady, my kids and all the neighbor kids just loved her and we are all missing her. She was definitely the neighborhood grandma. We will miss you, -Nikki DeSimone
My prayers are for you in the loss of a special and a one of a kind lady. I first met her many years ago at church. She was always smiling and so full of mischief. I always looked forward to seeing and talking to.her on Sunday mornings. She will be missed and I feel blessed in knowing her. -Yvonne St Yves
My son, Christian, and his family lived next door to your Mom. They all adored her, and my grandsons thought of her as their third grandma. My oldest grandson, Gabriel, would love to walk with her and her dog to the corner, starting when he was only about two. When he saw her walk by, he always had to run out to hug her. I always enjoyed talking with her and comparing how our hair color had turned out whenever we had "updated" it. She was a truly lovely lady and will be missed by all in the McCord neighborhood. A donation to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation in the amount of $25.00 has been made in her memory. May you find peace and comfort in knowing that she is with God and her loved ones who preceded her in death. Please accept our deepest condolences. -Linda and Dennis Fillippo
