Martha "Marty" L. Tomashek

Martha "Marty" Louise (Houle) Tomashek, age 89, passed away peacefully at her home in Winona, MN, on Monday, October 26, 2020, with her husband, William, and caretaker, Connie Chadbourn, at her side. Martha was born June 13, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois, to Arthur and Charlotte (Garny) Houle, where she lived until attending Saint Theresa's College in Winona, Minnesota, during which time she met her husband of 67 years. She graduated from Saint Theresa's College in the early 1950's and married William Robert Tomashek October 3, 1953.

Martha enjoyed studying French, playing tennis, sewing and the many family pets in their home over the years. She was active in the Community Theater. Martha and Bill were foster parents, opening their home to 17 children over several years. Her Catholic faith was very important to her.

Martha is survived by her husband, William; sons, Michael (Cindy) of Rochester, Minnesota, and Edward (partner, Dawn Dick) of Kellogg, Minnesota; three grandchildren, Sarah Tomashek (Daniel) Joshua Tomashek (Jenikka), Andrew Tomashek (partner, Courtney Leinen); three great-grandchildren; along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Charlotte Houle; brother, Charles Houle; and daughter-in-law, Sandy Tomashek.

The family wishes to thank Connie Chadbourn and Karen Rodamski and team for the compassionate care given to Martha over the past couple of years.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, October 30, 2020 at Cathedral of the Sacred Heart with Rev. Mark McNea officiating. Martha will be laid to rest in the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery- Preston at a later date. Those attending will be required to wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines. Please leave a memory of Martha at www.hofffuneral.com. Hoff Celebration of Life Center, Goodview, is assisting the family.