Mary Michele Martin

Born October 12, 1944 in Washington, DC, daughter to Mary Agnes Hanglighter and John Baptist  DeSarno.  Mary was the studious middle of five children.  The family lived in Southeast DC, later moving to Suitland, Maryland, where Mary was a member of the first graduating class of Central High School.  She excelled in school, both socially and academically, and her academic achievements became a great source of pride for her parents. 

Mary began her career with the federal government on June 18^th, 1962.  She was hired as a GS4 Steno Clerk.  Relying on her studious nature, Mary excelled easily and was promoted often.  She took great pride and pleasure in retelling tails of her time working for such greats as Elliot Richardson and James Farmer.  Her career lasted 32 wonderful years and she retired when she was 49 years old as a GS15 Executive Administrative Assistant.

Retirement provided Mary with time to pursue other paths.  In 2002, she volunteered for Robert Ehrlich’s gubernatorial campaign.  Due to her warm personality, quick wit, and studious nature, she became a favorite of the campaign and was subsequently asked to stay on after Ehrlich’s election win.  She spent the next two years as assistant to Steve Kreseski, Ehrlich’s Chief of Staff.

Following her time in Annapolis, Mary turned her focus to her one and only true love - her grandchildren.  Having already been a doting and loving grandmother, she now had the time to devote to her grandchildren and first great grandchild.  Investing her energy, time, and love into her family paid its dividends as she was referred to, by her grandchildren, as “the perfect grandma”.  Of all her accomplishments, this she considered to be her greatest and held the most value in her heart.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Mary Agnes and John Baptist DeSarno; her husband, Albert Martin Jr.; her daughter Nina Gormus; her stepson Patrick Martin; and her brother Daniel DeSarno.  She is survived by her siblings Michael DeSarno, John DeSarno, and Neena Lucas; her children Christine and Robert Gregory, Cherie and Matthew Warehime; her grandchildren Jay and Heather Quiros, Dan Gregory, Nick and Rachele Daly, Chris Gregory , Mark and Brittany Gregory, Michael Daly, Rachel Gregory, Josh Gormus, Brian Daly, Katie Krok, and Emily Warehime; her great granddaughter Nina Quiros; and her stepchildren Sandy and Chuck Buffalano, Alan Martin, Teresa and Mike Mautino, Michelle and Dave Hudgins, Colin and Cathy Martin, Colleen and Rick Cassidy, Tammy and Jack Thompson, Dwayne Martin, and Darla and Tim Sydnor.