Martha G Pauly passed away peacefully in the company of family on April 3, 2019. She was born on Dec 14, 1932 in Shanghai, China to George and Serafina Goertz. Her father passed while she was very young and the family moved to Japan where she lived until the end of World War II. After World War II the US Army repatriated the family back to Europe. Eventually the family settled in Switzerland where she finished her schooling.
After college she moved back to Japan while working for Swissair. It was in Japan where she met her future husband Peter who was serving in the Navy at that time. After an on-again, off-again courtship over several years and countries, they were married in Deer Lodge, Montana. Shortly after the wedding they moved to Helena where they remained for the rest of their lives. Peter and Martha had two children, Cy and Lisa.
Martha’s life was full of interesting experiences which were a testament to her adventurous spirit. From hosting her own radio show in Japan to earning black belts in Judo and Aikido, scuba diving and flying planes she always looked for the next big challenge. Throughout her life Martha enjoyed exploring different cultures all over the world. She spoke six languages fluently and traveled to extensively across all seven continents. Martha was also active in the local community. She served on the board of the original Pioneer Cabin and as a translator for many government officials. She also enjoyed playing golf and spending time with her beloved grandchildren entertaining them with her stories.
Martha was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She will be greatly missed.
She was preceded in death by her husband (Peter). She is survived by her son Cy (Mary) Pauly of Bremerton, WA; a daughter Lisa (Joe) Waldner of Salem, OR and grandchildren Jack and Peter Pauly, and Caitlin and Brandon Waldner.
A Memorial Service is planned for July 16, 2019 at 11 am at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home with a reception to follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Montana Association for the Blind (www.mabsop.org). Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Martha.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday July 16, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Tuesday July 16, 2019
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday July 16, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Tuesday July 16, 2019
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana
Helena, Montana 59602
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Judith Wilson Hier says
I have known Martha for a long time we worked together at Walmart and stayed friends for years. We stand friends till the time she passed,we traveled to my places before she couldn’t see anymore. I will never forget her,and I know that I will see again my friend.
Karen Langford says
Cy and Lisa sorry to hear of your mothers passing. She was a great woman and I’m glad I had the pleasure of knowing her.
Crystal Wong Shors says
I met Martha as we were working on events to celebrate the statehood centennial. Our events focused on Montana’s wonderfully diverse ethnic and cultural history. Martha, of course, was a valuable and generous resource. I enjoyed many days of working with Martha as she shared stories of her exciting, multifaceted life. She even loaned me her beautiful vintage Chinese coat to wear in our parade. I’ll always remember the fun I had and how much I learned from her.