Martha Lee Pavlick
Martha Lee Pavlick, age 86, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2024, at Maplewood Senior Living Center surrounded by her loving family and friends.
Martha was born on Aug. 29, 1937, in Cleveland, to the proud parents Vernon and Gertrude Sanford.She had a zest for life and a spirit of adventure from an early age. After graduating from John Adams High School in 1956, Martha embarked on a memorable journey through Europe alongside her two beloved sisters.
On Sept. 19, 1959, Martha married the love of her life, George Pavlick, in a heartwarming ceremony held in Cleveland. Together, they built a beautiful life and legacy. In 1964, they moved to Geauga County, where they raised their children and created countless memories and lovingly spoiled their grandchildren.
Martha enjoyed her community and dedicated herself to various causes. She actively participated in the Girls Scouts, Cub Scouts, Chardon Athletic Boosters and the Crescendo Club. Her career in food service allowed her to showcase her talents in serving and caring for others. Martha’s organizational skills, culinary prowess, and warm hospitality were evident in the family gatherings and holiday parties she meticulously planned and hosted.
Even in her senior years at Maplewood, Martha’s devotion to serving others remained. She took it upon herself to secretly acknowledge the birthdays of her fellow residents, adorning their doors with happy birthday banners and thoughtful gifts. She was also involved in delivering mail, working in the gift shop, folding napkins for daily meals and leading engaging craft projects for her fellow residents.
Martha had an appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. She found joy in listening to polka music, tending to her flower garden and engaging in various crafts.
However, her greatest passion resided in her love for birds, earning her the nickname “Bird Lady.” She had a special affinity for bluebirds and even proudly displayed a tattoo of one on her shoulder. Martha trained these feathered friends to flock to her numerous bird feeders, ensuring they were well-fed as she cruised around on her trusty golf cart. They became accustomed to her calls, signaling it was time for supper, and would happily eat from the palm of her hand.
Martha will forever be remembered and deeply missed by her children Martha, of Chardon, Fred (Maureen), of Chardon, and Laura, of Pahrump, Nev.
She also leaves behind her brothers, Calvin Sanford, of Abilene, Texas, Roger (Joyce) Sanford, of Macedonia, Ohio; and sister Barbara Sanders, of Savannah, Ga.
Martha’s memory will be cherished by her grandchildren, Alex (Erin), Jacci and Eric (Genny); as well as her great-grandchildren, Bohden, Vehda, Lilly, Harper, Railden and Lauryn.
Additionally, she leaves behind numerous cousins, nieces and nephews who were fortunate to have had her in their lives.
Martha was preceded in death by her beloved husband, George; son Daniel; parents, Vernon and Gertrude; sister Elizabeth Wieland; sister-in-law, Barbara Sanford; and brother-in-law, Donald Wieland.
The family kindly suggest donations be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve, 17876 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44110-2602, or go to www.hospicewr.org.
Friends and family are invited to pay their respects on Thursday, May 2, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon. A funeral service will follow at 12 noon.
Martha will be laid to rest at Crown Hill Cemetery in Twinsburg.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Chardon. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.burrservice.com.
