Catherine “Kitty” Martin, 73, of Gloucester, died Wednesday, April 30, 2014, surrounded by her children.

She was a native of Richmond, Va., and was a 1959 graduate of John Marshall High School. 

Kitty worked hard, loved freely and savored life to the fullest with passion, having an endless love of her family and friends. Her talent and love of interior design, decorating, wedding planning and flower arranging will be remembered by many.

She retired from Gloucester County School System, taught Floral Design classes at RCC, was a member of the Gloucester Education Foundation, Yorktown Foundation Association, Walter Reed Garden Club, Ware River Circle of The King’s Daughters & Sons, past president of Abingdon Woman’s Club, Gloucester Point Rotary, and other organizations. 

She was selected to participate in the WAFA World Flower Show 2014 in Dublin, Ireland. Unfortunately, her untimely illness and death prevented her from attending this event which she was so looking forward to. 

She is survived by her son, John William “Billy” Martin III of Gloucester Point; her daughter, Andrea Ward and her husband Brian of Herndon, Va., Paul Martin and his wife Stacie of Gloucester Point; her four grandchildren, Madelyn and Judson Ward and Hunter and Christian Martin, who brought so much joy to her life.

The family received friends Saturday at Hogg Funeral Home from 6:30-8 p.m. A funeral service was conducted Sunday, May 4, at 2 p.m. at Abingdon Episcopal Church, followed with interment in the church cemetery.

The family would like to thank her friends who brought much love and compassion to her, especially during her illness.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are to be made to Abingdon Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 82, White Marsh, Va. 23183, Bethany United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 527, Gloucester Point, Va. 23062, or Providence Baptist Church, 3501 Providence Road, Hayes, Va. 23072.