Martha was born September 21, 1931, in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Edward and Leona (Minner) Paternoster.

She graduated from East Detroit High School in 1950.

On June 18, 1953, Martha married Desmond J. Connolly in East Detroit where they made their home. Together they had three children, Brian (Marcia) Connolly of Macomb Township, Geraldine (Bill) Roeser of Haslett, and Leslie (Gene) Pringle of Eaton Rapids.

Martha was a member of the St. Mary's of the Woods Ladies Auxiliary Shawl Ministries. She had many interests including: quilting, knitting, shopping, boating, golfing, gardening, and playing cards.

Along with her children she is survived by her brothers, Albert (Arden) Paternoster of Lennox Township, formerly of Kalkaska and Richard (Kathy) Paternoster of Kalkaska; her 8 grandchildren, Kati, Chris, Dan, Mike, Scott, Elizabeth, Jarett, and Ben; and several nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her parents and her husband, Desmond. Visitation were held on Wednesday, May 16 with a Rosary Service at 7:30 p.m. at Wolfe-'O'Neill Funeral Home. The funeral mass was on Thursday, May 17 at St. Mary of the Woods. Reverend James Barrand officiated.

Memorial contributions may be made in Martha's memory to St. Mary of the Woods Chimes Fund, 0438 County Road 612 NE, Kalkaska, Mich., 49646 or to the American Lung Association, 153 E. Front Street, Suite D, Traverse City, Mich., 49684-2508.

Arrangements were made by Wolfe-O'Neill Funeral Home.