Mary Martha Misita

On April 14, 2023, Mary Martha Misita, Age 91 of Cherry Hill, NJ, (nee Cummings), died peacefully at home surrounded by family. She was the devoted wife of the late John; Beloved mother of Valerie Pringle (Craig), Pamela Murray (the late Douglas), Katherine North (William), John Misita II, Robert (Pam) and Michael (Julie); Loving grandmother of Matthew Pringle, Maggie Gallahan (Ross), Johnny & Tony Murray, Michael & Matthew Misita, and Sam & Rebecca North, and loving great-grandmother to CJ North, and dear sister of Katherine “Kitty” DiPanfilo. She is pre-deceased by her parents Mark and Katherine (“Polly”), and her brothers James and John.

Born in St. Louis to Mark and Katherine Cummings, Martha attended Ursuline Academy in St. Louis, then earned a degree in Elementary Education from Webster University in Webster Groves, MO. During her senior year at Webster University, she was chosen as May Queen, an honor bestowed on one member of the senior class by her classmates. She taught elementary school in Jacksonville, FL as well as preschool at Haddonfield Methodist Nursery School. She was a life-long swimmer, competing in Masters’ swimming competitions through adulthood.

Martha and John raised their family in many places, including Jacksonville, St. Louis, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Omaha, Valley Forge, eventually landing in Haddonfield, NJ, where they planted their roots and spent their remaining years. They wanted a house filled with kids, laughter, and love, and instilled a sense of humor that would always serve the family well.  Some of our fondest memories were made during family vacations at the Jersey shore.

Martha, aka “Marvelous Martha”, was known for her loving nature, friendly demeanor, and generous heart. She was welcoming to all friends who showed up at her door, whether it was setting an extra place at the table or having extra presents under the Christmas tree. She could always be found in the stands for all her children’s sporting events and school performances and continued that tradition with her grandchildren. Her love of children was evident to all who knew her, from her many preschool students at the Haddonfield Methodist Nursery School to her tireless devotion to each and every one of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandson.

The Misita family will receive friends and family on Thursday, April 20, from 6-8 pm at Kain-Murphy Funeral Home, 15 W End Avenue, Haddonfield, NJ. Martha’s beautiful life will be celebrated with a Catholic Mass on Friday, April 21, at 11:00 AM, at Christ the King Catholic Church, 200 Windsor Ave., Haddonfield, NJ. Interment will be in St. Louis, MO.  To honor Martha’s life-long devotion to St. Jude, memorial donations in Martha Misita’s name can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (www.stjude.org) .