Kathleen Marie Martz

     Kathleen Marie “Kate” Martz passed away peacefully on May 21, 2026, in Lakewood, California, at the age of 79. Kate was born on February 2, 1947, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. At a young age, she moved with her family to Lakewood, California, where she would spend the rest of her life and proudly call home until her passing. She graduated from Lakewood High School in 1965 and dedicated 35 years of service to Nabisco, where she built many lasting friendships throughout her career.

     Family was the center of Kate’s life. She was first married to Christopher Floyd, with whom she shared two sons, Johnny and Paul Floyd. She later married John Martz and welcomed another son, Chad Martz. Kate was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend whose love knew no bounds.

     Kate’s greatest joy came from spending time with her family. She would do anything for those she loved and was always there during both good times and difficult moments. Her home was a place where everyone felt welcome. She opened her doors to family, friends, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren, making everyone feel loved and accepted. She loved hosting birthdays, holidays, and family gatherings, filling her home with laughter, good food, and cherished memories.

     One of Kate’s favorite traditions was traveling to the East Coast to spend time with family. She treasured those visits and the memories they created. She took great pride in her home, enjoying decorating, cleaning, and making it a warm and inviting place for everyone who entered. If someone else cleaned her house, she often joked that it was never quite as good as when she did it herself.

     Kate’s heart was full of love, and she shared that love freely with everyone around her. Her kindness, generosity, strength, and devotion to family will be remembered always. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched and the family she loved so dearly.

     She is survived by her children Johnny Floyd, Paul Floyd, and Chad Martz; her grandchildren Carissa, Kelly, Kyra, Harley, Kyle, Sydney, Kennedy, Constantine, and Da’marko; her great-grandchildren Ryder, Weston, and Keleiah; her siblings Peggy, Billy, and Eileen; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. Kate was preceded in death by her parents, Rita Marie and Alec Kelperis, as well as her siblings Joanie, Mickey, and Marion.

“Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day.”