Martha Hollowak

Martha L. Hollowak, age 94, departed this life on Friday, February 12, 2021, at her residence, Paradise Assisted Living, Catonsville, Maryland. Her death was the result of COVID-19.

She was the daughter of the late James Joseph and Alma Regina (Webbert) Murphy. Her parents had seventeen children, and she was their fifteenth child.

On August 20, 1950, she married the late Stanley Adam Hollowak. They were married 52 years before his death in 2002. Together they raised six children.  Two of whom predeceased her – William Francis Hollowak in 1995 and Louise Mary (Hollowak) Hyson in 2016.

She is the beloved mother of her four surviving children - twin sons, Thomas Leo and Stanley Adam. Daughters, Barbara Ann O’Neal and Mary Regina Hollowak. She was the devoted “Nana” of ten grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. Surviving her is Stan’s wife, her daughter-in-law, Eva (Berger) Hollowak and son-in-law, James Hyson.

Her dear sister - Delores “Sis” and her husband Francis W. Kelly, and sister-in-law, Myrtle Murphy, also survive her. She also leaves behind to mourn her nieces, nephews, and friends.

The sisters who predeceased her were - Genevieve Hoeck, Mary Cherry, Alma Fertitta-Donohue, Rose Whittaker, Madeline “Pat” Lidston, Marguerite “Marney” Shanahan, and Helen Tognocchi. Her deceased brothers were – Carroll “Carl,” James “Buddy,” Thomas, and Charles “Bucky” Murphy. Also predeceasing her were four infant older siblings.

Raised on Hollins Street in southwest Baltimore, she attended St. Martin’s Church and school. As was traditional, Martha did not work outside of the home after the birth of her children. However, later in life, she began volunteering then worked part-time at Baltimore Highlands Elementary School, near her home, for many years.

She was a member of St. Clement’s Women’s Sodality. She enjoyed going on bus trips sponsored by St. Clement and St. Benedict’s Churches and the Senior Center in Lansdowne, Maryland. After her husband’s death, she moved into a senior apartment at Parkview at Catonsville. While there, she enjoyed many activities, including the Rosary Group. She especially loved spending time reminiscing at family get togethers. She enjoyed meeting people and had a large group of friends.

In March 2020, she moved into Paradise Assisted Living after being diagnosed with dementia-related to age. The pandemic limited the family from visiting in-person for many months. But we are grateful to the staff for the care given her during her residence.

Family and friends may call at St. Clement Catholic Church, 27 Washington Ave., Lansdonwe on Friday, February 19th from 10 AM to 11 AM, where a Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 AM. Due to Covid 19 protocol, masks are required while inside the church and capacity is limited. As per the family's request, if you are not staying for the Mass, please make your visit brief to accommodate any visitors who may be waiting to enter the Church. Interment will take place privately at Crownsville Maryland Veteran Cemetery.

In place of flowers, the family asks you to donate to the Alzheimer’s Association or a charity of your choice.