Martha Jane Dunphy

Martha Jane Dunphy (1933-2025)

Martha Jane Dunphy (92), of Cuyahoga Falls, passed away on June 6. She was born on April 5, 1933, to James and Mary Ann Kilmire. She spent her childhood in North Hill, surrounded by the warmth of her family. Known by her childhood nickname of Skippy, she grew up alongside her beloved sisters, Mary and Patricia.

As a young woman, she had a daring nature. She graduated from St. Mary’s (most definitely not St. Vincent-St. Mary’s, as she would often correct us) in 1951 and enjoyed escapades with her best friend, Elaine (Dunphy) Osborne. They were often chauffeured on local adventures by Elaine’s older brother, William.

On Jan. 29, 1955, Martha and William married and built a life together that spanned nearly 45 years. They made their home in Cuyahoga Falls where they raised eight children: Kevin (Donna) Dunphy, Martin (Diana) Dunphy, Mary Sue (Kurt) Wollenberg, Veronica (Keith) Snock, Gordon (Therese) Dunphy, James (Melissa) Dunphy, Ellen (David) Donatelli, and Eden (Michael) Beyman.

Preceded in death by her husband; sisters; and son, Kevin, Martha is survived by seven children, 25 grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren (with three more on the way). She also has many nieces and nephews, who affectionately called her Aunt Skip.

Martha had an artist’s flair and a keen eye for color and design. A matriarch and wise woman who enjoyed her family, Martha regularly hosted Sunday night gatherings of her kids and grandkids, where she would serve ice cream and cookies to the hoards who arrived in mid-afternoon and often stayed until she turned off the lights and told them to go home.

She loved music – particularly Glen Campbell and John Denver, time with family, and a good Manhattan. She taught her family many life lessons, including not to sweat the small stuff and to enjoy dessert. She leaves behind a legacy of love and will be missed by all who knew her.

Calling hours, Thursday, June 12, 2025, 4pm-7pm at Ciriello & Carr Funeral Home, 810 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, June 13, 2025, at 11am at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 1905 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to The Fr. McIntyre Fund.

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