Carla Martenson
Carla Elaine Martenson, known affectionately to all as Carla, passed away on October 1, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, love, and the kind of funny stories that could fill a book. Born on May 22, 1949, in Staten Island, NY, Carla moved to California at eighteen and lived there for several years until her mother’s illness and eventual death. Carla spent the remainder of her years in Bay Terrace. Carla lovingly cared for her father in his final years; she was always there for people when they needed her.
Carla was the beloved daughter of the late G. Carroll and Elaine Martenson, who undoubtedly instilled in her the sparkling wit and warmth she carried throughout her life. She was the cherished sister of Donald W. Martenson, Sr. and the beloved sister-in-law of Diane Martenson. Her role as the fun-loving aunt to Cindy, Tara, and Donald, Jr., as well as the great aunt to Victoria, Jefferson, Leo, Matteo, Nicolas, Mathew, and Kristian, was performed with a flair that only Carla could muster. In addition to family, Carla had a beautiful circle of friends that she enjoyed spending time celebrating birthdays, weddings and holidays. Carla’s friends were family to her and she loved them dearly.
Family gatherings were never dull with her around, and her absence will be felt at every holiday table. Carla was known for showing up at Christmas with a giant bag filled with gifts for all her loved ones. Her nieces and nephew fondly remember spending weekends with her as kids at her home in the Poconos, on her boat in Great Kills Harbour and countless car rides in her old Volkswagen Bug. Carla lovingly owned and cared for countless cats over the years. Carla loved each and every one of her cats with all her heart.
A proud alumna of Tottenville High School, Carla went on to wield her sharp mind and attention to detail as a Legal Secretary for Hughes Hubbard and Reed in Manhattan for over 40 years.
Carla’s interests were as colorful as her personality. An avid painter in her younger years, she created beautiful landscapes that hung in her own home and the homes of many family members. Music was her soul’s language, and she had a playlist for every occasion, ready to turn any moment into a spontaneous dance party. Carla was known for her annual Christmas parties filled with music, dancing, and cocktails. Carla’s love for Atlantic City trips was legendary; she enjoyed countless weekends there with family and friends. Traveling and time spent at the jersey shore was her passion. Carla enjoyed many cruises and trips with friends and family. Happy Hour was sacred to Carla, she enjoyed listening to a good cover band and spending time there with family and friends.
To say Carla was loving, funny, and thoughtful is an understatement. She infused love into every joke she cracked, every hand she held, and every family member and friend she was there for. She had a knack for making everyone feel like the most important person in the room, and her thoughtfulness knew no bounds.
Carla’s approach to life was like her approach to comedy: never take yourself too seriously, always find the humor in the situation, and if you can make someone smile, you’ve done a good day’s work. She left the world a little brighter, a little lighter, and a lot more fun. Her laughter echoes in our hearts, and her stories will continue to bring joy for generations to come. Here’s to Carla—a life beautifully lived and a woman truly loved
In Lieu of Flowers, Donations in Memory of Carla Martenson to Staten Island Hope Animal Rescue Would Be Greatly Appreciated.