Martha L. Wisniewski (nee McCann) - Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory

Martha L. Wisniewski (nee McCann)

April 12, 1927 - April 15, 2014

Martha L. Wisniewski (nee McCann), age 87, of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 15, 2014 surrounded by her loving family. She was born April 12, 1927 in Ravenwood, MO, to the late John Henry and Louise Johanna (McCarty) McCann.

She graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Salina, KS, where she was an honor student and participated in the band. Martha attended Marymount College where she received a BS in Dietetics and Nutrition. She completed her graduate internship at the University of Michigan Hospital. After completing her studies, Martha and her husband, the late Irvin C. Whiz Wisniewski, established Varsity Day Camp in Pinckney, MI for boys and girls ages 6-13. The camp still operates today, 65 years later. She was also the owner of Delaware Sporting Goods for over 30 years and Jammin’ With Martha, a purveyor of gourmet jams.

A woman of deep faith, Martha was an active member of St. Johns Holy Angels and the Neumann Center which is now the St. Thomas More Oratory at the University of Delaware. In 2011, she and her husband were presented with the Order of Service award by the Archdiocese of Wilmington for their lifetime of service to the Church. Martha was a beloved and avid community volunteer. She was a member of the Newark New Century Club, active fundraiser for the Newark Symphony, and coordinated a volunteer dessert program for Meals on Wheels for over 25 years. In 1990, she was recognized by the Kiwanis Club of Wilmington for her outstanding contributions to Meals on Wheels of Delaware, and was named the Woman of the Year in 1995 by the University of Delaware Women’s Club.

In addition to her husband, she is predeceased by her son Mark, sisters Rita Bland and Mary McCann MD, brothers William McCann MD and John McCann, Jr., and grandson Matthew Farrall. Martha is survived by her children, Anne Brattan and husband Tom of Columbia, MD, Mary Wisniewski of Chicago, IL, Pat Wisniewski and wife Karen of Newark, DE, Mike Wisniewski and wife Barbara of Newark, DE, John Wisniewski of Oviedo, FL, Jane Selner and husband Craig of North Wales, PA, and Clare Farrall and husband Ken Jr. of Lewes, DE; 17 grandchildren; 1 great grandchild; sister, Lina Doyle of Mt. Prospect, IL; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:00 am on Tuesday morning, April 22, 2014 at the St. Thomas More Oratory, 45 Lovett Avenue, Newark, DE 19711. A viewing for friends and family will be held from 6 pm until 8 pm on Monday evening, April 21, 2014, at the Spicer Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 W. Park Place, Newark, DE.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the St. Thomas More Oratory at the address listed above, or to the Varsity Day Camp Scholarship Fund, 3420 Cordley Lake Road, Pinckney, MI 48169.

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9 Condolences for Martha L. Wisniewski (nee McCann)

  • Dear Wisniewski Family,
    This day came so fast. I’m just sure that both Irv and Martha’s bond was so special and great that neither would want to be without the other by their side. Time will not allow me to return to Delaware physically, but know that my heart is with you all in this process. I loved ‘Mom Whiz”, as I love each of you, Anne, Pat, Michael, Mary, John, Jane and of course my sweet friend Clare. May you all find peace and comfort from each other and from those around the world that love you all so much. I am at the top of that list.
    God Bless you all,
    Patti Hatch Beck

  • Mom Whiz was a beautiful, dynamic and nurturing woman who supported me in very difficult times, especially in my childhood. So many fond memories of her making jam in the kitchen, spending time at Christmas with the family, sharing her wisdom through the years. Love and hugs to all the Wisniewski family with hope that the loving arms of friends will see you through the days ahead.

  • We love you mom! May you rest in peace in the arms of Our Lord. Give our love to dad and Mark.

  • We are very sorry to hear. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Wisniewski family. May Mrs Wisniewski Rest in Peace and have Joy for all Eternity.

  • No words can express everything your family has done for the world. Your Mother was the best. Thanks to Her & your Father. Peace to them.

  • no one could ever refuse Martha when she phoned to ask you to bake cookies and i was no exception. She was quite the lady and will be missed by family, friends and community

  • As the son of George and Gladys Frick, I grew up in a household where the names of Martha and Irv (Whiz) Wisniewski were synonymous with the words, “good people.” From the stories I was told as a young boy, I conjured up angelic visions of this very tall, soft spoken man known as Whiz with Mrs. Whiz (Martha) always energetic and full of life, confidently standing at his side. I was told on more than one occasion by my parents that, “The Whizs were their very dear and special friends” ….and that, “you would not find any better people to be able to call your friends….. anywhere.”

    Irv and Martha, truly a match made (and now living on) in heaven!

  • Dear Anne, Mary, Pat, Mike, John, Jane, and Clare,

    All but one of you helped us out (immensely) “sitting” our Jeanne, with the result that we got to know your mother. Then thanks to the connection with her, we got to know your father. This is to express our condolences at the passing of both of them.

    Ted & Anne Braun

  • My thoughts and prayers are with all of you who loved Martha and I know we will all miss her even as we know that she truly is in a wonderful place – doing good works in Heaven I have no doubt. I met Martha through the Christmas cookies for Meals on Wheels and was so impressed by the energy and organization skills she possessed. As I continued to bake the cookies and learned about all the projects she ran I was so impressed with this lady who never saw a need without doing something to address it! She was a remarkable woman who will be missed. I am glad I had the chance to know her.