Martha F. Lallis

Martha Ann Fitzgerald affectionally known as “Sister” to her family and as “Marty” to her friends, was born on Christmas Day in 1946 in Lynchburg, Virginia, to Dorothy and Berkley Fitzgerald.  Her formative years were spent in a close-knit community near Chatham and Gretna, Virginia, on her grandparents’ farm, which also housed a cherished family-owned grocery store serving the local community.

Martha graduated as an outstanding student from Northside High School in 1965.  Following graduation, she relocated to Washington, DC, where she pursued a career in the Federal Government while residing with her sister, Carol.

In the summer of 1966, Martha met Everett, the love of her life.  As Everett pursued his college education in Colorado, they nurtured a long-distance relationship while Martha established her career in Washington D.C.  During their time apart, Everett penned heartfelt letters to Marty, expressing his unwavering love and devotion.  Years later, in a touching and cherished moment, Everett rediscovered every letter he had written to Marty during his college years.  Their enduring love and commitment culminated in their marriage, which took place on May 31, 1969, in Washington, DC.

Martha embarked on a distinguished 37- years career in the Federal Government, holding pivotal roles in various agencies such as the Department of Treasury, Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation (PADC), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and ultimately retiring from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).  Her career trajectory started as an executive assistant and ascended to managerial roles within FEMA and Homeland Security.  Despite her remarkable achievements.  Martha remained humble, never boasting about her professional accomplishments.  In surprising revelation, Martha’s husband, Everett, discovered several professional commendations and award certificates while cleaning her office after retirement, unaware of their existence until that moment.

While excelling in her career, Martha remained an unwavering pillar of support for her family, raising her three boys –Everett Kyle III, (deceased in October 2019), Brandon Fitzgerald of Atlanta, Georgia, and Jason Christopher of Washington, DC.  Her dedication extended to her six grandchildren – Paris, Brandon, and Kennedy, from Atlanta, Georgia, and Jordan, Jemma and Everett Kyle IV, from Washington, DC.  She was preceded in death by both parents Dorothy and Berkley Fitzgerald.

She has two surviving sisters – Maddeline Shelton of Lithonia, Georgia and Constance Fitzgerald of Washington DC and a brother Melvin Fitzgerald of the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

Martha epitomized the dedication of a selfless mother, attending her children’s countless practices, games, and music concerts.  Her commitment was unwavering as she never missed a game, making endless sacrifices to ensure her children felt supported in their academic and extracurricular pursuits.  Additionally, she volunteered regularly at St. Matthais Apostle Catholic Church and DeMatha Catholic High School actively contributing to their communities while her children attended the intuitions.

Martha’s commitment to education persisted while balancing work and family, attending night classes at the University of Maryland University College, in 1997, amidst her numerous responsibilities, she proudly graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree (In Accounting), showcasing her dedication and continued quest for knowledge.

Beyond her dedication as a selfless mother and her career accomplishments, Martha had a vibrant and joyful spirit.  She found solace and happiness in her hobbies (Traveling, general shopping, enjoying seafood and spending time at the beach).  She also loved relaxing reading an intriguing novel and listening to Motown and dancing at parties and family gatherings.

Many of those that met her remember she had a wonderful smile and pleasant personality. 

Martha’s life was a testament to love, dedication, and embracing life’s simple pleasures.  Following retirement, she continued her contributions to the office of St. Matthias Apostle Catholic Church until the onset of early dementia.  For several years, many of her friends and family were unaware of her condition.  Unfortunately, as the disease progressed, she transitioned to an assisted living facility, where she peacefully entered eternal rest on the morning of Friday, January 5, 2024.

                                                                                                                                The Lallis Family