Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Arlington National Cemetery

Martha Jo Mitchell Izaguirre

Martha Jo was born in Arab Alabama, but grew up in Tennessee. A true southern gal who loved its prized ingredient—Buttermilk! Her dessert was the “Crumble In” (a tall glass, never a bowl) and fill it with leftover cornbread and cold buttermilk.  Martha’s life wasn’t easy, growing up during the recession times were tough. But she had a strong foundation with her sister, Charla Ann and mother “Mitch” (Nanny). They did what they had to do to survive and had a close bond that was unbreakable. Mom later told me that is where she gained her strength and independence. I’d like to think that is a trait she passed onto me! I am still working on the “no filter”, say what’s on my mind part of it! Those of you who knew Jo….well need I say more!
Martha attended Washington College Academy in Limestone Tennessee, Class of 51. She was a tall point guard on the W.C Recerettes basketball team, which were the 1950 District and Regional Champions. Her senior year she was voted “Best Sense of Humor.”  I can hear her saying “The best things in life are free…. For example, my opinions!” I truly believe that Hallmark Maxine was created about her and her sister Charla Ann. If anyone can say it like it is…it’s definitely Jo!

Later she ventured up to DC for a job and eventually met “Izzy” (Charles Izaguirre). It’s funny because we never got the full story of how they met, all I know is that they were at a party and bumped into each other in the kitchen….it was fate because they married in 54. Our parents set up roots in DC, Hyattsville, Lewisdale and Edgewater. Jo made friendships that lasted her lifetime. WCA Alumni, DC neighbors, Duplex neighbors, “The St’ Marks Gang”, Knights of Columbus Crew, The Washington Inc. Family, The Turkey Pointers, CHMA Alumni and the Senior Center.

Martha worked for The Department of the Navy and received many awards for exemplary performance in the word processing field. She started her own business “Wordwise”. Became an event planner in DC at Washington Inc. Then worked for friend and colleague, Mike Deavers, before she retired. 

Jo and Izzy were married for 53 years before Dad passed away. Had four great kids; Tony, Tom, Steve (Maryanne) and Carla (Ray). Two handsome grandsons Stephen (Michael) and Jacob.  She missed Izzy but still had a lot of life to live.

Martha loved to travel, play cards, go to the casino and hang out at the senior center. She became a big Washington Nationals fan and watched them win their first World Series! At 86 she still drove and would take friends to doctor appointments or out to lunch. I’m going to throw another Maxine quote out there because it’s so mom…. “Aging hasn’t slowed me down, and it hasn’t shut me up!”  I want you to know that she lived life to the fullest. She was honest, hardworking and loved her family. She had a wild spirit and the words “firecracker and pistol” were used to describe her recently. She was a good wife, mom, Momma Jo, Majo, sister, daughter, aunt, and friend to us all. 

One of the last conversations I had with mom was that she wasn’t ready to go… she wasn’t done living her life, she had people that depend on her, who was going to make dressing and pickles? We made her comfortable at home but all she was worried about was if Tom decorated the front porch with all the stuff she bought for St Patrick’s Day!  Her mind was sharp but her body couldn’t hold on any longer…. It’s only fitting that she passed away on St Patty’s. So now every year we can celebrate her life…. We will be doing that with a Crab cake and Bloody Mary!  Love you, Mom.
We will have a life celebration and interment in Arlington at a later date. Please email cslye71@gmail.com if you wish to be notified about those dates.

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Martha Jo Izaguirre

Martha Jo Izaguirre

Martha Izaguirre Services

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