Martha Irene Polovina

Martha Irene Polovina, a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2026. Born on February 19, 1941, in McArthur, Ohio, Martha's life was a tapestry woven with love, dedication, and rich experiences that deeply touched all who knew her.

Martha graduated from Logan High School in her hometown and went on to dedicate many years to her professional life. She worked for 15 years at The Timken Company, and her career also included valuable time with the 3M Company in Baltimore, Max & Erma’s, and Tri-Star. Throughout her working years, Martha was known for her unwavering commitment and warmth, traits that extended beyond the workplace into every facet of her life.

An avid gardener, Martha found joy in nurturing her flowers, transforming gardens into vibrant, living spaces full of color and beauty. She delighted in the simple pleasures of playing bingo and visiting casinos, activities that brought her laughter and camaraderie. As a passionate reader, she would eagerly finish one book only to embark on another literary journey immediately, always feeding her curious and adventurous spirit. Travel was another of Martha’s great loves, and among her many adventures, her final journey was a memorable western Caribbean cruise shared with her daughter and family—a testament to her love of exploration and family connection.

Martha’s warmth extended to her kitchen, where she lovingly crafted candies and cookies. Every Christmas, she would prepare boxes filled with these sweet treats, generously sharing them with family and friends as a heartfelt expression of her affection and holiday spirit.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Stanley Ervin and Stella (Woolever); her beloved husband, Dan Polovina; her son Ronald “Ron” Brown; and her brother Robert “Bobby” Ervin. They remain forever in her memory.

Martha is survived by her devoted daughter Debra (Brown) Monroe, and her daughter-in-law Julie (Beale) Brown. She cherished her grandchildren Chris Monroe (Sarah), Jason Monroe (Kim), Brian Brown, and Sara Brown, as well as her great-grandchildren Skylar Monroe, Camryn Monroe, and Olivia Monroe, who brought immense joy to her life. Lifelong dear friends including Sara Bayless, Cheryl Calderone, Barbara Starker, and Bobbi Pletcher stood faithfully by her side, embodying the strong bonds of friendship that sustained her through the years.

Friends and family will gather to honor Martha’s life with visitation on June 23, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Newcomer Funeral Home, Northwest, located at 10051 Brewster Lane in Powell, Ohio. A funeral service will follow at 12:00 PM the same day. Burial to follow at Green Lawn Cemetery, 1000 Greenlawn Avenue in Columbus, Ohio.

Martha Irene Polovina’s legacy is one of love crafted through her devoted family ties, her generosity to friends, and her joyful approach to life’s every moment. Her gentle spirit, welcoming smile, and steadfast heart have left an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to know her. Though she has departed, the gardens she so tenderly nurtured, the stories she shared, and the warmth she spread will continue to bloom in the hearts of all who loved her.