Martha D. Gatbunton's Obituary
Martha Gatbunton passed away peacefully at her home in Lakewood, WA on December 13, 2015 surrounded by her loving family. She was born Martha Dolores Fernandez-Fondeur in Hatillo Palma, DR on January 19, 1943. After graduating high school she moved to New York to study business, and there she met Cesar Gatbunton, the love of her life. The couple moved to Tacoma, WA in search of the right place to start a family. Martha truly loved Washington, proudly sharing her new home and “her mountain” with visiting family members from around the world. Martha was a beautiful, joyful and generous soul. All were welcome and well fed in her home.
Martha is survived by Cesar, her husband of 50 years; her children, Rita (Phillip), Paula (Jim), and Cesar (Leah); her grandchildren, Matthew, Rachel, Alexandra, Samantha, Hannah, and Bryce; 8 siblings, and countless nieces and nephews.
Mom taught us by example. She stressed the importance of education—she loved reading and ensured college education for her children. She grounded us in our faith. She was active in our parish community, brought us up with religious education, and firmly believed in the power of prayer and the intercessions of her patron saints. She bound us with indestructible family ties. As the eldest in her family she cared deeply for her siblings and parents and stayed connected despite the distance between them. She sponsored siblings to come to the US, she hosted family while they studied here and sent care packages full of northwest favorites. She also devoted herself to her in-laws. She cherished the Gatbuntons as if they were her own parents and siblings and was ever grateful to them for reciprocating the same love.
Mom cherished her relationships, the roles she played in others' lives and the people who played important roles in her life. Her Godchildren and hanai daughter held a very special place in her heart. She embraced the honor and the call to help the parents in raising the children in God's love. Being a grandma, or "Aba" was a pure joy for Mom. There was nothing she wouldn't do for her grandchildren, and though her abilities diminished, even the youngest who never knew a "healthy" Aba knew the depths of her love. The Lord rewarded Mom while she was still on earth for her generous heart by sending her two amazing women to serve as her caregivers. Our family is forever grateful to them for the love and care they gave her.
Martha had a 30-year career with Tacoma Public Schools. She loved her co-workers and enjoyed working for the schools because it gave her a schedule similar to her children. Her summers were filled with family road-trips to California and Nevada, and later with time-share getaways and cruises. As a true Dominican, the love of baseball was in her blood, she quickly became a tried and true Mariners fan and after retirement, enjoyed three seasons as a Mariners usher.
We are forever blessed by the love of our beloved Martha. She is now watching over us, reunited with loved ones and rejoicing in all of God’s glory. We love and miss you Mom.
Viewing and Rosary on Thursday, December 17 at 6:30pm, remembrances at 7pm, Mountain View Celebration of Life Center. Funeral mass on Friday, December 18 at 1pm, Visitation Catholic Church, reception to follow. Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home.
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