Martha R. (Casta) DeCelle

Visiting hours will be held at the Alfred D. Thomas Funeral Home, 326 Granite Ave in Milton on Friday morning from 8:00am to 10:00am. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Agatha’s Church in Milton, Friday at 10:30am, following the visiting hours. Burial will take place at Blue Hill Cemetery in Braintree.

Martha R. DeCelle, affectionately known as Marta, graced this world with her lively spirit and infectious smile on May 22, 1930, in New York City. Her journey came to a peaceful close on August 16, 2024, in Quincy, MA, surrounded by the love and warmth of her devoted family.

A longtime resident of Milton, formally of Quincy. She was the beloved daughter of the late Frank and Marina Casta and the sister of the late Demmy Casta of Delaware.

In 1948, Martha graduated from Quincy High School, a milestone that marked the beginning of her journey into adulthood. She further pursued her passion for beauty and care by attending cosmetology school in Quincy Square for two years. Martha's talents as a hairdresser were evident, and she dedicated herself to this craft until she embraced the role of a full-time homemaker following the birth of her children.

Martha's heart found its match when she married the late Lawrence W. DeCelle Jr. on September 3, 1950. Their loving union was blessed with the arrival of their first child four years later. Together, they built a family that included their devoted children Denise DeCelle and her partner Robert Masters of Quincy, Mary G. Connolly and her husband Jack of Milton, James DeCelle and his wife Sheila of Hingham, Joyce Zavas of Medford, Martha DeCelle of Hudson, and the late Lawrence DeCelle III.

Known as "Mamie" to her 18 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, Martha's legacy of love and merriment will continue to blossom through the generations. Her family was her pride and joy, and she nurtured each relationship with the same tenderness and affection.

Martha's zest for life was evident in her many interests. A traveler at heart, she found joy in visiting places adorned with palm trees, from Mexico to Puerto Rico and beyond. Her artistic soul was reflected in the beautiful portraits, flower arrangements, and stain glass pictures she created. An entertainer by nature, Martha loved to dance, host parties, and was the heart of every holiday gathering. Her culinary skills, especially her Spanish chicken and rice, were the centerpiece of many cherished family memories.
 

Her warm and welcoming personality made her a beloved figure at the Atrium at Faxon Woods, where she resided for the last two years of her life. It was there she earned the affectionate nickname "Miss Hollywood" from those who cared for her, a testament to her friendly and spirited nature.

Martha's love for her family was paralleled only by her love for life itself. She approached each day with a loving heart and a friendly demeanor that drew people to her. Her presence was a source of joy and comfort to all who knew her, and her smile could light up the darkest of rooms.

As we bid farewell to Martha R. DeCelle, we celebrate a life lived to the fullest, marked by love, spirit, and friendship. She leaves behind a tapestry of memories that will be cherished by her many loving nieces, nephews, friends, and, most importantly, her family. Martha's legacy of love, laughter, and warmth will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Martha's life story is a beautiful reminder that the most enduring beauty is that which we create through our relationships and the joy we bring to others. Her spirit will forever remain a guiding light for her family, a beacon of the love and vivacity that defined her very essence.

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