Lasting Memories

Mary Chiorini Martinson
March 1, 1945-Oct. 14, 2026
Palo Alto, California

Mary Martinson, known affectionately as Aunt Mary to her many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on October 14, 2026 after a short illness. She was 81.

Mary was born in Santa Cruz, California on March 1, 1945, to Jack and Lillie Chiorini. She grew up in Santa Cruz and attended Holy Cross School until she left for college at the College of Notre Dame in Belmont, California. Mary earned a BA in Education and a teaching credential in 1967 and began a lifelong career as a teacher. She started teaching at Bayside Middle School and retired from Bayside after 32 years, noting that she didn’t like change. It was at Bayside that she met the love of her life, Jerry Martinson, a fellow teacher. They enjoyed 43 years together as soul mates and companions. Jerry preceded Mary in death in 2022 following a long illness during which Mary transitioned from loving teacher to loving caregiver.

They were both avid travelers who explored the world, continuing to travel and learn as teachers and former teachers do. The family is sure that their favorite tradition was spending Christmas in Hawaii, where they could be surrounded by many of the nieces and nephews that were privileged to call Mary “Aunty Mary.”

Mary was a dedicated volunteer at the Palo Alto Food Kitchen and at St. Albert the Great Church in Palo Alto, where she served on the Finance Committee and as a Greeter. She was also an avid 49ers fan, a close follower of Stanford Women’s Basketball, and, most recently, a Valkyries fan. Watching 49ers games with her dear friends Sandra, Pat and Anne was a cherished “do not disturb time.” The family knows that now, together with her beloved Jerry, she has front-row seats for all her favorite sporting events.

Mary was a loving teacher, caregiver, sister, aunt, and friend. Her memory will continue to be a blessing to those who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her sister, Ann Jones (Paul, deceased) of Honolulu, Hawaii; her brother, John Chiorini (Beth) of Danville, California; many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews; her caregivers Rikki, Leah, and Michael; and her cats Tara and Luigi.