Prudence Marie Martino

Prudence Marie “Prudy” Martino, 94, of Jonesboro, Georgia went to her heavenly home on November 8, 2024. Prudy was born on October 17, 1930, in Blue Island, Illinois. She was the middle child of Anthony and Mary DiNovo and had an older brother, Joe (Marion) and a younger sister, Rosie (Bill). Prudy was a cheerleader at Blue Island High School and graduated in 1948. In 1950, Prudy married her high school sweetheart, Angelo James “Jim” Martino…and away they went on their adventure. Jim proudly served his country in the US Army Quartermaster Corps while Prudy proudly served and supported Jim. Jim always shared his successes, saying he would not have been able to accomplish what he did without Prudy at his side. They were a dynamic duo and completely in love for their 71 years of marriage. Their assignments included tours in Germany (twice), Colorado, Korea, Okinawa, Illinois, Missouri, Virginia, Georgia and a combat tour in Vietnam. Prudy followed Jim around the world commanding their growing troops at home…eight in all, Jim (Carol), Dennis (Deborah), Sharon (David), Cheryl (Steve), Tina, Dotti (Rick), Mark, and Chuck (Sandra). Of course, Prudy did not accompany Jim on his combat assignment to Vietnam, but some may have considered it fairly close to a combat zone since she was left alone and away from family with eight children ranging in age from 2 to 18! Prudy was a woman of BOUNDLESS energy. As a mother, she never used her large brood as an excuse and volunteered as room mom, troop leader, fieldtrip chaperone, and was ever present at games, recitals and matches. Running a home seemed effortless and she would often host extra children, nieces, nephews, exchange students, and friends at the house for nights, weekends, weeks or even entire summers. As a grandma, Prudy did not slow down. She was able to easily handle six or more grandchildren at a time, stand on her head and spin around, and was the loudest cheerleader at most events (Go Boy Go!) well into her eighties. Papa and Grandma seldom ever vacationed alone, usually inviting a couple of grandchildren to tag along wherever they went. Midnight swims, fishing on the lake, boat rides, waffles and ice cream, popcorn balls, extreme Easter egg hunts and family egg tosses are fond memories the 27 grandchildren have and many of the 32 great grandchildren too! As a friend, Prudy was the hostess with the most-est. She would invite you over for “something simple” or a piece of toast and it would turn into a gourmet meal. She could serve dinner to two dozen unexpected guests in under an hour and loved, really LOVED, hosting gatherings, celebrations, and parties. Prudy was a founding partner of Martino-White Printing. She was proud of their success in this women’s owned business. Prudy’s customers loved her, especially since she often brought homemade cookies and treats when she delivered their printing order. Prudy also gave back to her community with her involvement in the Officer’s Wives Club, Fort Gillem (Atlanta Army Depot) Thrift Shop, Fort McPherson Red Cross Blood Drive, The American Cancer Society’s Daffodil Days, Lake Spivey Civic Association, and the Rotary’s international students. Prudy and Jim loved their church and church family at Saint Philip Benizi. They served as Eucharistic ministers at the church and local hospitals, served on the welcoming/bread committee, and were active in the Aids ministry. Prudy loved helping with the International Celebration (the Italian booth of course) and the funeral ministry. She also supported the Saint Vincent de Paul Society and Mother Cabrini Circle. Our Mom and Grandma will forever be in our hearts. She lived a life of love and service. We are all so grateful to have had her in our lives for such a long time. Visitation and Mass of Christian Burial: November 22, 2024 Visitation will begin at 10:00 am Mass will begin at 11:00am Saint Philip Benizi Catholic Church 591 Flint River Road Jonesboro, GA 30238 (770) 478-0178 The mass will be live streamed on our parish website: www.stphilipbenizi.org Or on the churches Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/stphilipbenizi.org/ The family will have a private graveside service following mass. In Lieu of Flowers: In honor of Prudy, the family is asking that donations be made to the Saint Vincent de Paul Society of St Philip Benizi Church. Prudy never forgot the love and support her family received from this ministry after her father passed when she was a young girl.

Tributes

Prudence Marie Martino

October 17, 1930 - November 8, 2024