Virginia Dorothy Martus' Obituary
Virginia Marshall Martus, “Ginger,” passed away Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at Baleigh-Chase Senior Living in Easton, MD, five years after having suffered a stroke. She was born April 12, 1930, the daughter of Raymond Marshall, co-owner of A & R Marshall Boatyard and Marine Hardware in Port Washington, NY. She grew up in Port Washington, attending Main Street School and Port Washington High School, class of 1948 (now Paul D. Schreiber). After attending junior college, Ginger worked in several advertising agencies in New York City, while beginning a writing career specializing in Port Washington and nautical history. In 1969 she married Joseph Martus, and they resided for many years in Vincentown, New Jersey, until Joe’s death in 2008. Ginger then moved to Easton, Maryland.
Ginger is well-known in Port Washington, having written two books: “Port Recalled” and “One Place in Time.” She was Club Historian for the Port Washington Yacht Club; a long-time member of the Port Washington Historical Society and a founder and Advisory Committee Member of the Port Washington Library Nautical Center. She recorded a series of oral history interviews for the Port Washington Library, and presented many lectures on Port’s nautical history. She was a contributor to many publications such as “Wooden Boat Magazine” and “Soundings.” She started and for many years continued a newsletter, “Boneyard Boats,” to match old boats which might ordinarily be abandoned or destroyed with prospective owners/restorers. She was a major “cheerleader” for the Class of 1948 reunions.
Ginger’s family includes her sisters Claire McLean, Linda Cashman (Dick) and Liz Marshall, brothers Bill Marshall (Joyce), Chris Marshall, Charles Marshall, and step-sister, Sister Carmella Marie (Bea). She was also the proud Aunt to 2 nieces, 5 nephews and the late Cevon McLean, 7 grand-nieces and 7 grand-nephews. She is also missed by her cousin, Bob Marshall and his family and many, many friends.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., July 22, 2017 at the Framptom Funeral Home- Ostrowski Chapel, St. Michaels, MD.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to any nautical cause.
To share memories with the family please visit www.framptom.com
What’s your fondest memory of Virginia?
What’s a lesson you learned from Virginia?
Share a story where Virginia's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Virginia you’ll never forget.
How did Virginia make you smile?