Martha Jean Runca of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, with her son Carlo by her side. Born in 1935 in Niagara Falls, she was the daughter of the late Peter and Mary E. (DeLorenzo) Antonucci. She married Carlo V. Runca in St Joseph's Church on October 26, 1957.

Martha Jean graduated from Niagara Falls High School in 1953. She was a devout Catholic and lifelong parishioner of St. Joseph Church. Martha Jean was fortunate enough to travel extensively over her life. As a teenager, she traveled with her aunts, uncles and special cousin, Darlene Pallone throughout Italy, France, Germany and Switzerland by car, which traveled with them by boat from America, for several months. She also traveled with her son, brother and sister-in-law to Italy and surrounding areas. Martha Jean traveled with her son, Carlo, to Las Vegas, Florida, and New York City, where they attended the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting. Martha Jean also loved roller coasters and visiting amusement parks throughout the country.

Raised on Pine Avenue and 18th Street in Niagara Falls, over 30 of her family members lived within two blocks of each other. Family was of paramount importance to her and for 50 years she loved organizing her annual family reunion picnic.

Amongst the happiest times in her life were during Carlo's years at Niagara Catholic High School, where she happily volunteered her time and loved attending the school sporting events, especially basketball games.

Martha Jean and Carlo loved spending time together and could be seen at all local events and festivals, shopping and dining together. She also enjoyed reading extensively on all current topics amongst her favorites being medical advancements and cooking magazines. She also enjoyed cooking, baking and TV shows.

Throughout her life, Martha Jean loved doing for others, especially her family members who she devoted her life to allowing them to pursue their own accomplishments. She will be remembered for her sincerity, thoughtfulness, kindness and remembrance of others.

In addition to her son, Carlo F. Runca, Martha Jean will be dearly missed by her cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. She was pre-deceased by her husband, Carlo V. and her brother, Frank (late Palmira 'Ginger') Antonucci.

In accordance of Martha Jean's wishes, private funeral services and Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph's Church, followed by entombment in St. Joseph Cemetery will be held for the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to a charity of one's choice. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.