Virginia Rose Martin

Felts Mills – Virginia Rose Martin, 91, passed away peacefully 15th May 2025  surrounded by family. Born on April 27, 1934, in Watertown, NY, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Grace (Vallelunga) Dilello.

Virginia graduated from Watertown High School in 1952. On March 26, 1955, she married the love of her life, Daniel D. Martin, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. In 1960, the couple purchased their family home in Felts Mills, where they raised their children and built a life together until Daniel’s passing on December 9, 2011.

Early in her career, Virginia worked at Her’s Dress Shop in Watertown from 1952 to 1956. She later held positions at The Globe Store and Nu Art Cleaners in Felts Mills. After raising her children, she returned to the workforce and retired from Caregivers in Watertown in 1998.

Virginia was an active member of her community and faith. She belonged to the Altar Rosary Society at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Black River, where she was a communicant and deeply involved parishioner. She was also a proud member of the Red Hat Society and the Beta Sigma Phi sorority. A devoted mother, she served as a Cub Scouts den mother and cherished time at the family camp in South Maple. She loved walking and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Among her survivors are her five children: Daniel D. and Karen Martin Jr ; Kevin J. and Joyce Martin both of  Felts Mills; Steven J. and Monica Martin of Deferiet; Lisa R. and Mark West of Dexter; and Tina M. and Vincent Petrillose of Watertown. She also leaves behind 21 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, her sisters Antoinette “Ann” of Watertown, and Patricia and Ed Hoppel of CA, and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Virginia is predeceased by her daughter Tara Martin, grandsons Erik and Lance Martin, and sisters, Carmaline Arquiett and Marie Mathieu, and brother Michael Dilello.

Calling hours will be held 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 22nd at the Bruce Funeral Home, followed by 1 p.m. Funeral Mass at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Black River. Burial will follow in Felts Mills Cemetery.

Donations in Virginia’s memory may be made to St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Saint Jude Children's Hospital, and Hospice of Jefferson County. Online condolences may be left at www.brucefh.com.

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