Dorothy “Dot” Martin

Dorothy Locker Martin (Dot), age 94, of Little Falls, NJ, passed in the early hours of Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, while in hospice care at Sunrise of West Essex.  

Dorothy was born at home in Lodi, NJ, to Marinus and Trina Stienstra Locker in 1930. After her mother lost her battle with tuberculosis at Dot’s tender age of 9, her dad remarried Margie Van Wyen who largely contributed to raising Dot. In 1948, Dot graduated from Lodi High School and eventually married William Ray Martin in April 1956. They honeymooned in Williamsburg, VA. Dot was married to Ray for 66 years before he passed in October 2022. 

As a young adult, Dot traveled by bus every day to the phone company, where she worked as a switchboard operator. She also worked as a bookkeeper at the J.L. Prescott Company.  Ultimately, she worked at Bamberger’s (later Macy's) in the Willowbrook Mall. She held that position for more than 25 years, while raising her daughter, Brenda.

Dot was devoted to her family and was involved in the Second Reformed Church of Little Falls. Having been brought up in the Great Depression era she learned the value of financial stability early on, and instilled the value of fiscal responsibility into her family members by showing how to be a wise saver and shopper.

Dot and Ray enjoyed many summer and holiday weeks at their home with their two grandchildren playing in the pool, going to the local park, and shopping for back to school clothing. She also loved being with family in Ocean City, NJ, and going on cruises to many different destinations with friends and family.

Dot was an avid cook of both meals and desserts, especially during holidays when her homemade creations were desired and showcased. She felt great satisfaction knowing that her husband, Ray, had everything he needed to enjoy his daily meals to the fullest. She loved the company of her dog Snoopy and his support in licking up the kitchen floor. She enjoyed simple things such as the occasional game of cards and Rummikub.

Dot was predeceased by her husband Ray, and brother, Robert. She is survived by a daughter Brenda (who also married a man with the last name Martin), son-in-law Kevin, granddaughters Alison and Ellen, and great-grandchildren Keagan and Talia. Also surviving are cousins Kathryn and Lillian, cousins (twins) Robert and Ronald, and nieces Lauren, Alice and Cindy. Dot also leaves behind various grand-dogs and great grand-dogs.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Humane Society of New Jersey would be greatly appreciated using the following link - https://njhumanesociety.square.site