Elisabeth Ann Martin

Mrs. Elisabeth “Bette” Ann Martin, age 87, of Leesburg, Virginia, passed away in the comfort of her home on May 7, 2012. Elisabeth was born September 9, 1924 in Rochester, NY, the daughter of Ira H. Martin and Laura Fox Martin Cutcliffe. She was preceded in death by her father, mother, and her sister, the late June Martin Murray. She grew up with a love for music and attended the prestigious Eastman School of Music upon graduating from high school. Elisabeth proudly served her country as a Wave in the US Navy from 1944 to 1946 and was a veteran of WWII. Her first assignment was to the Naval Training Center in Stillwater, OK. Upon graduation, she was assigned to the War Department, where she worked for the Secretary of the Navy, James Forrestal. During her service, she was awarded the American Campaign Ribbon and the Victory Ribbon and was honorably discharged in 1946. Later in life, Elisabeth was employed as the Regional Office manager at the Miller Brewing Company in Falls Church, VA, and as an Administrative Assistant at Ensco, Inc., Springfield, VA. She continued working at various support positions in companies throughout the area until the ripe age of 75. Her toughness and perseverance helped guide her through a divorce and her can-do attitude is permanently ingrained as a model for her children. Her lifetime of actions and achievements exemplify courage, sense of duty and selfless service. She was the devoted mother of six children: William Linus “Lonnie” Martin III of Forest Hill, CA; Dennis Michael Martin of Munich, Germany; Gail Ann Eckhardt of Blue Springs, MO; Colleen Carey of Brunswick, MD; Christopher Lee Martin of Orlando, FL; and Tracy Kathleen Carspecken of Leesburg, VA. She was also the grandmother of 10 grandchildren: Rebecca May Martin, William Linus “Billy” Martin IV, Michael “Miki” Josef Martin, Heather Renee MacConnell, Kimberly Dawn Eckhardt, Samantha Leigh McCurdy, Colton David Carspecken, Haley Elisabeth Carspecken, Sean Robin Martin, and Laura Jean Martin. As well, she was the proud grandmother of 6 great-grandchildren. Friends may call on Monday, May 14, 2012 from 10-11 AM at the Loudoun Funeral Chapel, 158 Catoctin Circle, SE, Leesburg, VA; where funeral services will begin at 11 AM. Graveside services and internment will follow at 2 PM at Quantico National Cemetery with military honors. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Disabled Veterans.

Elisabeth Ann Martin

September 9, 1924 - May 7, 2012