Rose Marie Martin

Rose Marie Martin passed away on September 20, 2025 at the age of 87. She was born on August 24, 1938, in Akron to Hilda and Henry Knapp. Rose graduated from Garfield High School in 1956.
She married her sweetheart, James, when he returned from serving in the Marine Corps, and together they raised a family filled with love and laughter. A longtime member of St. Paul Catholic Church, Rose faithfully served her parish. She also joined James overseas in Kuwait, where they formed lifelong friendships and traveled to new places before returning home.
Rose loved cooking and baking, especially her famous Christmas cookies that became a cherished family tradition. She also enjoyed doing ceramics with her mother, Hilda, creating treasured pieces still held dear by her family. Her kitchen and home were always places of warmth, filled with love and tradition.
Above all, Rose's greatest joy was her family. She was happiest surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, always supporting them in every way. Her kindness, devotion, and steady presence will be deeply missed.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years, James; parents, Hilda and Henry Knapp; son, James; brother, Henry; and sister, Mary-Lou.
She is survived by her daughters, Cathy (Floyd) Ackerman, Susan (John) Armocida, and Deanna Benson (Mark Piurkowsky); sister, Patricia (David) Broyles; grandchildren, Brandise (Isaac), Brittany (Ryan), Jessica (Joe), Brielle (Jeremiah), Brenna (Adam), Emily, Jeremy, Jennifer (Jack), Kelsie, and Dustin (Missy); great-grandchildren, Riley, Maggie, Josie, Archer, Whitley, Angie, Adam, Mackenzie, Caleb, Maleia, Amiyah, Aari, Isabella, and Eliza; and her extended family of the heart, Armando Joaquin and Susan Mabborang, with daughters Anna and Carissa.
Rose also shared a very special bond with her sisters-in-law, Sue Basich, Judy Martin, and Margie Martin. Together they traveled, hosted parties, and created countless joyful memories-treasured moments that enriched Rose's life and family.
The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the special caregivers at St. Edward's (too many to name) and to Theresa and her team at NEO Hospice for the compassionate care they provided to our mother.
Rose leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and family that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Friends and family may call Thursday, September 25, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Anthony Funeral Home Akron Chapel, 1990 S. Main St., Akron, Ohio 44301. Funeral service prayers will begin Friday September 26, at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church 1580 Brown St. in Akron. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Alzheimer's or breast cancer research.