Sarah Jo Martino

Sarah Jo Martino, known to many as Sally Jo, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 26, 2020 in Galveston, TX at the age of 34.

Sally was born on November 8, 1985 in Houston, TX to Mark Anthony Martino and Sarah Ganaway.  She was an amazing daughter, granddaughter, niece, cousin and friend to all.  She loved fiercely and always selflessly gave to others. She wore her heart on her sleeve and expressed her love openly with all those around her with a warm hug, a sweet smile and always by saying “I love you”. Not once- but three or four times.

Sally, always had a creative passion as her outlet. Whether it was with painting pottery, knitting, making jewelry, arranging fresh flowers (her favorite being yellow roses) coloring, journaling or creating her own essential oils. She loved knitting treasured afghans for her friends and family.  Sally was meticulous and always took the time to carefully select the right color of yarn knowing that the recipient would love and how many loops she knitted for each blanket.  Every new baby that entered her life in some way received one of her special, created from the heart blankets.

Sally also had a passion for baking.  If there were ever a gathering, celebration or holiday you knew that Sally would prepare the sweetest treats for those around her.  She was always the first to ask what she could bring to any event. It thrilled her to find ideas off of Pinterest and create a beautiful display of her baked goods and charcuterie trays.  Sally would doll up in her aprons, fun jewelry and join in the family fun. Sally loved her fancy nails and she had the most beautiful hands. Rest assured  that she would always have something fun on her nails for each holiday. One of her favorite childhood to adulthood memories was to watch her family gather in the kitchen and fry up carduna.

Family and love were her top priorities and she never failed to express that love every moment she could. Sally loved her family fiercely, never asked for anything but was always ready to give or do for anyone.  She had a giving heart with every person she encountered.  Sally never met a stranger and immediately let them know that they had a friend in her or were considered part of her family.  She loved her pets Mr. Fred, Fat Cat and Mini. These were her fur babies and she spoiled them with love. As a family, we loved her healing hands that gave the best back scratches, her friendly smile and her warm heart.  She never complained about anything or ever said anything unkind.  Sally had all the qualities that one hopes to possess but tend to need to work on. With her, it came so naturally and was never short of genuine.

Sally and her dad were BIG movie buffs!  They never missed a movie as soon as it was released at the cinema. Sometimes they would even stay long enough to catch a double feature. She was his fishing buddy, his daughter and his best friend. They never missed an Astros or Texans game together. Sally loved to travel with him and try new foods.  Simply put, Sally loved being with her dad.

Sally also loved visiting her family in Illinois.  Those trips were so special to her.  She looked forward to seeing her mom, visiting with her cousins, and bringing home stories to share about everyone she got to see.

Sally worked at Tom Lange for 10 years supporting the office and colleagues that she grew up knowing. She loved spending time with her friends, babysitting and just reaching out to others to see how they were doing.

Survived by her Father, Mark Anthony Martino, Mother, Sarah Ganaway, Grandparents, Nuncio and JoAnn Martino, Uncle Vince and Aunt Sandy Martino, Uncle Michael Martino, Aunt Julie and Uncle Paul Moise, and Cousins: Vince Jr., Mallory, Natalie, Michael, Cade, Skylar, and Aaron.

Sally has joined her cousin Angela in Heaven where they will reunite and rejoice in the Lord, free from all the worldly pain.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a “Shelter for Cancer Families” or ” Zoo’s Rezcue”. Precluded by her love for people and the other, for her love of animals. You can find their information at A SHELTER FOR CANCER FAMILIES and http://www.zoosrezcue.org

 

 

 

115 comments

  1. Our love to you Sally. You were such an amazing Granddaughter to us. Always with us on special occasions and you frequently visited us and called frequently to check on us. You will always be with us in spirit
    Love you Granny & PaPa

    JoAnn & Nuncio Martino
    • She loved her granny and pawpaw

      mark martino
  2. Ms . Sally❤️

    You’re truly missed. The kids love you so much. We will cherish every warm hug, sweet kisses, and amazing laughs we had together. Giovanni, Madeline & Valeria will forever miss you making them smile from ear to ear. May You be at Peace & fly high our beautiful Angel🙏🏼

    Family Cuenca
    • Sorry for your loss Marck, Sally was one of the sweetest people one could ever meet always happy in a good mood , lovely girl she will be missed . Amazing individual

      lynn turner
    • Thank you she really loved you and your children

      mark martino
  3. I only met Sally Jo a few times. I noticed how she was always had a joyous spirit and content look. I also noticed how happy she made Mark. I loved how they interacted and how Mark always included her in all events. God has a new angel, her name is Sally Jo! God bless your family, our family grieves with yours.

    Steve Neesley
    • Thank you for your love towards Sally

      mark martino
  4. Sally, you are sure going to missed by so many people. You had such a loving, kind hearted spirit about you. You always made everyone feel loved. Family gatherings won’t be the same without your pretty smiling face there to welcome everyone with a hug. I’m sure you and Angie are already having a big time together in Heaven. Keep watch over your family as you soar with the Angels. ❤️

    Pauline tipton
    • Thank you Pauline for the love you gave her

      mark martino
  5. This was worded her in a nut shell, she loved hugs and loved everyone bigger. Mark is in my prayers, his best friend, side kick and daughter, he’ll be lost without her and know she will be looking down on Dad to make sure he is ok. A wonderful lady got her wings way to soon. Love to all the family. Rest in peace my dear friend.

    Georgia Leyva
    • Georgia she loved you

      mark martino
  6. Such a sweet precious girl. My heart is aching for her family. RIP sweet Sally Jo.

    Dede henning
    • Thank you DeDe, I know ya’ll will miss her.

      mark martino
  7. Sally you were and always will be my sweetie. I rarely called you Sally. Almost always it was sweetie. You are going to be missed by so many. Our hearts are broken and we will always love you. You brought so much join to the Martino family and everyone around you.

    Aunt Sandy
  8. Sally you were a bright light in any day. I was blessed to be your sixth grade teacher. Rest In Peace sweetheart. Your kindness lives on in our hearts. Love you.

    Lesli henderson
    • She loved you very much and always looked forward to being with family

      mark martino
    • Sandy she loved you and loved being with family

      mark martino
    • Thank you Leslie for acknowledging my sweet daughter

      mark martino
  9. Such a beautiful remembrance for a sweet and loving girl. Love and prayers for all the family.

    Carolyn & Gerome
    • Thank you for loving my baby

      mark martino
  10. An Angel on Earth for 34 years❤️😇.

    Irene Moore
    • She was born a angel for all of us to share

      mark martino
  11. Sally was the sweetest person ever, such a wonderful and vibrant soul… All the best and love to Mark and the Martino family.

    Richard M. Haas, Jr.
    • Ricko she really liked you

      mark martino
  12. Thank you Sally for your love, kindness and sweet ways. I remember you coming to see me when I was hospitalized. I was so grateful. I enjoyed some of your delicious baked goods. And we played with your loveable pets that you loved to spoil. You will be missed. Heaven has become even more beautiful.

    Lynn Blinsky
    • Lynn she loved you as soon as she met you

      mark martino
  13. You are the most beautiful, kind and loving person with the most beautiful soul, heart and smile that I had the joy and privilege to know and be friends with. I, along with so many others, will miss you.

    To Mark and the rest of the family, my heart and soul cries with y’all. From my family to yours, You have our love, thoughts and prayers. We are truly sorry for your loss.

    Sandie
    • Oh boy I’m starting to cry as I read all of these beautiful words

      mark martino
  14. Always smiling, never an unkind word, a perfect person to have on your side!❤️
    Heaven got a good one! God speed Sally!!!! You will be missed🙏🏻❤️🦋

    Tracy
    • Tracie she loved going to your house for friendsgiving

      mark martino
  15. Sally you were a bright light with a kind spirit. You were the sweetness needed daily at the office. You were always thinking of others, you always asked about our kids; you were positive and happy. We will miss your smile.

    Love, Paul & Kim Bertrand
    • Thank you for watching over my baby during the day, being tolerant with all of her doctor appointments, she loved the two of you

      mark martino
  16. Dear Sally Jo, Thank You for always welcoming us with open arms and the biggest smile on your face whenever we would see you. We didn’t see you often but when we did you always made us feel so special. You are such a kind and loving young lady that we will never forget and will truly miss. Just hearing your name made us smile because you were so kind to everyone you met. You have a heart of gold and the biggest heart we know. I guess God needed your loving heart and loving welcoming smile in Heaven with Him. You are gone too soon but never will be forgotten.
    Love, The Jones Gang

    Stacey Jones
    • Thank you for the kindness you always showed my sweet child

      mark martino
  17. You were a pleasure to know Sally Jo. We’re happy for all the good memories from when you and your dad stayed with us after Hurricane Ike, your birthday parties, fishing trips and Christmas dinners. Your beautiful smile and heart will truly be missed!

    Cindy & Ronald Brantner
  18. If there was a sweeter soul put on the earth, I never met them. Rest in peace lovely lady

    steve saxenian
    • Steve she always loved the way you made a special point to go visit each of your customers and especially when you would sit across from her and talk, your hugs

      mark martino
  19. Sally I did not know you that well and I met you with your Dad at the Rams Club at cook off. You were always so sweet and we always said hi to each other and chat for a minute. I do know that your Dad loved you very much and always talked about you. I know your Soaring with all the Angles today and at Peace, your happy and with your Lord and Saviour. You were one of Gods Angel’s here on earth.

    Cookie Michael
    • She loved everyone at the rodeo

      mark martino
  20. Sally was one of the toughest sweetest girls i have ever known, Never complaining, just that sweet smile and kind words was always abundantly present with her,you would never know the hardships she endured in her life but she always kept her head up and that beautiful smile,i know God is with her now

    Joseph Orlando
    • Thank you Cookie, she always enjoyed seeing you

      mark martino
    • Joe she loved coming to your huse for visits and food, she loved being able to hear you scream Martino from the end of the canal to the inside of the house, she would say there’s Mr Joe

      mark martino
    • Sally loved coming to your house for your delicious food. She always laughed because you would be at the end of the canal, and she would be inside and say dad Mr. Joe is coming

      mark martino
  21. I met Sally as a small child, she was a sweet kid.I have only write a few times o. Her comments via Facebook. I know she was a very huge part of her father’s life. He always spoke of her. God bless the family who have lost such an amazing person. RIP Sally .

    Carmella Juarbe
    • Had you watched her grow up she was so sweet and a inspiration to all. Thank you

      mark martino
  22. my dearest Sally Jo……..named after your grandma Sally. Both of you had hearts of gold. May you and grandma Sally and grandpa Amil hold hands and forever be happy……. I miss all of you so much.

    Cynthia Fay Christian
    • She loved her northern cousins and looked forward to seeing her family up there

      mark martino
  23. We are thinking of you.
    We are so sorry for your loss of such a sweet soul.

    Mountain Family
    • Thank you for observing the loss of my beautiful child

      mark martino
  24. Mark, Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

    Sam & Lisa Coombs
    • Thank you Sam, you had the pleasure of meeting my little wingman

      mark martino
  25. GODSPEED, Sally Jo. My deepest sympathies to the Martino family.

    Edie Rose
    • Edie thank you for your sympathy

      mark martino
  26. I was so privileged to have known this sweet young woman … I know she will be missed by many . Mark , my condolences to you .

    Carolyn Krell
    • Thank you, I believe she is watching over me now

      mark martino
  27. Sally always had a smile for everyone she would see. We always loved to see her and Mark at the Texan games. I remember her from when she was a cute little sweet girl when she would come to the Oilers games. You will be missed.
    Gene and Laurie Gaas

    Laurie Gaas
    • She loved all of you and enjoyed visiting before every game

      mark martino
  28. This will be one of the hardest goodbyes ever I’ve had to make. You are such a beautiful soul! Always loved your warm hugs.. you light up the room.. my son loved the way you took him to your galveston house and had fun w him.. he will never forget that.i will treasure every min we got to spend w you.. .one day I’ll get to see u again… we absolutely love and miss you!! Love Tracey Triston and Sonny Parker

    Tracey Parker
    • She very much loved you and Sonny, she loved coming to your house for the get togethers and was always making sure I never forgot any plans anyone made for us. She was my best friend

      mark martino
  29. Our condolences to you and your family at this sad time. “Sally” was a wonderful and loving young lady. Always had a beautiful smile and gave the best hugs..Hard worker.. compassionate..loving daughter and a true friend to all..Please know that you and your family have our prayers and thoughts..Angel in Heaven with Jesus… Always Gary and Tyba

    Gary and Tyba
    • Thank you to the Watkins family for being special to Sally. She loved coming to your parties and she enjoyed working with you Tyba.

      mark martino
  30. Mark, Jeff and I are so sorry for your loss. Sally was such a sweet girl. We remember her coming to the bowling alley to watch you bowl. She always had a smile on her face and was so nice to talk to. Love GLenda and Jeff Bucceri

    GLENDA and Jeff Bucceri
    • Sally always had a smile, never complaining, and doing everything she could to always be with me

      mark martino
  31. Sally was the most sweetest most kind and loyal woman I have ever met, no matter what she had going on she was always such a positive person and always had a smile on her face, we have lots of great memories with her, she will be missed so much but never forgotten. Our condolences to the family especially her father mark, she loved him so very much and as he did also, fly high Our beautiful angel.

    Shelly boniecki
    • Thank you, she loved being with you girls, and she was so happy to hold your teeny grandbaby

      mark martino
  32. I’m so sorry for your loss. Sally was the sweetest she was always so happy and smiling every time I saw her. She touched the hearts of so many and will truly be missed.

    Annabelle Peters
    • Thank you for remembering my child

      mark martino
  33. Wow, I hope the internet doesn’t crash from all the messages about Sally! There is nothing I can tell anyone about her beautiful spirit, kindness, and love that we don’t all know. What I can do is be thankful for the occasions that I got to spend time with her. Texans games, Texans playoff, Astros, Dinners at restaurant’s, out of town produce business conferences, etc…. I can also affirm that she was quite the hostess and could whip up delicious appetizers, meals, and desserts and I never disappointed her by not eating MORE than my share. Lastly, she hooked up each of our 3 Grandkids with their personal blankets and they were ready at the time of their arrivals. My whole family and I love Sally and will think of her often.

    Michael and Sharon Erenwert
    • She loved your family very much and she loved being on the golf corse with you as well

      mark martino
  34. Only had the privilege of meeting Sally Jo one time, a dinner with her and Mark. But, in the following 20 years I know Mark has mentioned her very often. We always knew how important she was to him. I’m positive she could not have had a more loving father.

    David & Suzanne DeBerry

    David & Suzanne DeBerry
    • All you had to do was meet her once to feel her genuine happiness that she got to meet you

      mark martino
    • If you met her once, you automatically knew you were now a friend and forever would be

      mark martino
  35. My heart is broken. We miss and love you.

    Sally Jo always had a smile on her face although she endured more surgeries and complications in a lifetime than many could comprehend. She never complained. Sally always smiled. She was the definition of selflessness. She cared more for others than anyone I have ever known. She wanted to bring joy to every family gathering. She asked for nothing but gave everything. I don’t understand how one person can go through so much with a smile.

    We are living in uncertain times but one thing is for sure…..Heaven gained an angel today that meant the world to us. Rest In Peace sweet Sally. You were and will always be loved.

    Julie Moise
    • Omg she loved you so much, especially Cade because he had a soul like hers, always thinking of family. She loved going to Aunt Julies and Uncle Paul’s for holidays

      mark martino
  36. Sally was one of the best. She made a big impression on our kids while we were in Tiki. Without question, her warmth and friendship will be missed.

    Tony & Amy Pannagl
    • She loved your babies and she loved you for entrusting her with their care

      mark martino
  37. What a beautiful tribute to Sally Jo!!
    Although no words can help ease your loss and pain, just know the entire Martino Family is in my thoughts and prayers. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, but the love and memories of Sally can never be taken from you.
    Extending my deepest sympathy, for you in your loss, and hoping that comfort and peace may come to you all.

    Amy Dickerson
    • Amy you ladies always made her feel like she was part of your team at the golf tournaments. She would ask every year where we were going next

      mark martino
  38. I met Sally Jo on two different occasions. The first time I met her she was seven years old and our families went skiing in Colorado for I think a week. I saw Sally Jo the second time when she was in her teens Mark would put Sally Joe on the phone with me many times. When Mark and I were talked Which was often ,he would tell me of the Health problems that Sally Jo had through her life. But I never heard that from her all I ever heard was positive comments and happiness. I’m Going to miss those talks. My sincere condolences to MarK and his family I’m sure this is a gigantic loss to all of them.RIP Sally Jo.

    Mike Haddad
    • She would ask me each time who you were, her memory sometimes failed, and I would show her your picture and she would immediately remember. She was so proud of the book you wrote and she asked me “daddy is one of those for me?” I told her yes because she was my #1 baby, and she snapped it up and put it away so no one could damage it

      mark martino
  39. A beautiful life gone too soon. We are so sorry for your loss, Mark. You have gained an angel in heaven – and what an angel she is! We love you.

    Allan & Shelby Enderwitz
    • Sally made all of my friends her friends, so know that she is looking down on you as well

      mark martino
  40. The world lost a little bit of sunshine with Sally gone. Anyone that knew her felt her love. Mark I pray you know she is with the Angel’s in heaven. She will always be in our heart. Love to you and your family.

    Jill Schaeffer
    • Jill you went out of your way to make Sally part of your life. She loved having luncheons with you

      mark martino
  41. Our prayers and thought are with the Martino Family. Rest In Peace young lady, you will be missed.

    William Raker
    • Thank you for your kind words

      mark martino
  42. We miss you Sally Jo! We know that you are home safely. Fly high sweet Sally. You will never ever be forgotten.

    Cousin Cade, Uncle Paul and Aunt Julie

    Cade Moise
    • Omg she loved you so much, especially Cade because he had a soul like hers, always thinking of family. She loved going to Aunt Julies and Uncle Paul’s for holidays

      mark martino
    • She loved all of you so much, Cade you made her feel so special. I know that she is going to watch over you

      mark martino
  43. Rest In Peace my cici You will be missed!! You are the best friend ever. Thanks God bring you to me a sweetie cici. We am glad that We are having a great time together with your dad. We know A beautiful Soul is watching your dad And us! Pray for us! I hope will see your dad when I get back to Texas! We love you❤️❤️❤️

    Annie Nguyen and Family
    • Annie she will miss seeing you. She loved when you taught her how to cook

      mark martino
  44. Thank you Lynn for the love you showed Sally

    mark martino
  45. Please accept our condolences for the loss of Sally Jo. We didn’t know her, but all the sweet words we have heard about her from her dear grandparents, she must have been a pretty special lady. Her pictures are precious. So pretty, and such a beautiful smile that would make everyone happy. May God give the Martino family the strength they need at this very difficult time, but to know she is in heaven with the Lord always looking over her. May she rest in peace.

    Sincerely,
    Plum & Sandy LaCorte

    Sandra LaCorte
  46. All you had to do was meet her once to feel her genuine happiness that she got to meet you

    mark martino
  47. I simply cannot phantom this. Sarah I love you so much xoxo!!! You brought out the best in me and showed me a class of person I never knew could exist. I will miss our random catch up dinners with dad near so he can grab a quick bite and say hello. I’m at such a loss for words right now.

    Mark I know a lot of folks are reaching out and I want to extend that reach. If you ever need anything, please call me. Sarah has my number saved under my name in her phone. If not, find me on Facebook. I’m here for you!!! Love you always xoxo!!!

    Melissa Judson
    • Thank you Melissa . You were a true friend always staying in touch with her.

      mark martino
  48. Zayla and I are going to miss seeing our sweet Sally come home from work with open arms when we come to visit. I am going to miss her long tight hugs and our talks. I’m going to miss her warm touch her love for Zayla. I know she will always be there in spirit watching over us as Zayla plays with all the toys she got her and loves on her fur babies. May she Rest In Peace I know she’s got the biggest angel wings God could find. ♥️

    Hailey Robertson
    • She truly loved you and Zayla. She loved buying her toys and snacks. She would get the biggest smile when Zayla wanted her over me. She loved giving you back rubs

      Mark Martino
  49. Sally Jo I miss you and I’m always going to miss you. I miss the times when you fussed at me and I will cirtainly miss the times you hugged me and kissed mei will miss your loving smile. We will all miss you on holidays with those big trays of food. I know your at peace in heaven. A true Angel
    I love you

    Uncle Mike Martino
    • She loved you very much. She would get frustrated with you but never turned her back on you. She loved telling the story of you sleep walking and eating cereal at the same time

      Mark Martino
  50. Mark our Hearts go out to you and your Family. It is amazing reading all of the comments. Sally touched each and everyone of us. She made everyone feel special. She gave her total attention to all. I don’t know that anyone could make that happen but she did, and she did it with So much Love.

    Martin and Lisa Erenwert
    • She loved how you never got upset on the golf course. She thought of you and Lisa as family

      Mark Martino
  51. Mark, I don’t even have the words to express how sorry I am that you lost precious Sally. She was without question one of the kindest people that I had ever met. So happy that I had the privilege to know her.

    MALCOLM YANCY
    • She loved it when you trained me and would often ask how you were doing

      Mark Martino
  52. Sally was an amazing friend to me as a child all the way through adulthood, even from MILES and states away! I will miss her handwritten petters to me telling me how I need to come visit her in Texas, though now i wish I had! She was always asking me about my children. She loved her family and friends so much, but beyond that she even loved their families too. May you rest in peace Sally Jo! I will miss you my friend!

    Holly
    • Sally loved putting snail mail out. She said it was more comforting to the person reading. She had kind words for everyone

      Mark Martino
  53. Mark and family my thought’s and prayers go out to you for the loss of Sally what a wonderful sweet young lady always with a smile and a kind word. May God continue to comfort and hold in his grace you as you go thru this difficult time. God Bless Love you buddy Rock and Judy

    phil gumpert
    • She always looked up to Mr Rock. She thought the world of you. She was so happy working at the company

      Mark Martino
  54. I’m so sorry for your loss, Mark. I know from the heartfelt memories and loved shared Heaven has an incredible angel!

    God Bless and May the Blessed Mother wrap her loving arms around you and bring you comfort in these difficult days.

    Michele Kenyon
    • Thank you Michele She was a friend to anyone who met her. She was my daughter and my best friend. I’m going to get away from saying I have a hole in my heart because she will forever be with me.

      Mark Martino
  55. Mark and family my sincere condolences Sally Jo was a wonderful young lady always had a smile and a kind word for everyone.May God continue to comfort you,Bless you and keep you in his grace.God Bless Love you buddy Rock and Judy

    Rock Gumpert
  56. I was so sad to hear of Sally’s passing. She was a kind, loving person and I truly enjoyed her company at Tiki parties and our ‘driveway chats’. We’d run into each other often when I’d be walking the dog and she always took the time to visit with us. She was a compassionate soul; a true angel. My sympathy to Mark and the family and God bless. Maryann Tillson

    Maryann Tillson
    • Maryann I’m glad you were able to meet and chat with my little angel. Seems like God always wants the best ones back.

      Mark Martino
  57. Hmmmmmm I wrote out my condolences shortly after Sally Jo passed but I don’t see that they got posted. I may have said something they didn’t think was appropriate because I wrote that it is so hard to understand why God would take such a loving and kind hearted person. Sally Jo loved everyone she met and she always made you feel so Special by her Welcoming, loving smile and huge hug. Our hearts will never be the same without this Angel on Earth. All I can wish is that her precious memories fill all of her loving families hearts with Love and Peace. She made a mark on everyone’s hearts. She will never be forgotten. She is now An Angel In Heaven watching out over all of us. Especially her daddy and best friend. May she Rest in Peace and may her precious memories guide us to all be better people just like her.

    Stacey Jones
    • Thank you Stacey and the Jones family. Sally will forever be in my heart. She was very special not only to me but literally everyone she touched

      mark martino

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