It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, Martha Darling Faron, on January 24, 2025.  Martha was born on September 20, 1935, in Providence, Rhode Island to Edward B. Darling and Ruth (Grinslade) Darling.  She graduated from North Kingstown High School in Wickford, RI. She then attended Kathrine Gibbs School which was a private women’s school specializing in business and secretarial education.  Martha met her husband, John F. Faron, a Navy Cadet, in Quonset Point, RI. where she was working as the parish secretary. They married in 1957 and were married for a wonderful 63 years.

As her husband, John, pursued his Navy career, including four deployments to Vietnam, Martha raised 4 children, managed all the moving to bases across the country and volunteered with various organizations where ever they were stationed.  She loved being a Navy wife.

Martha’s greatest joy was her family.  She was a devoted, and involved, mother to her four children.  She met the challenges of raising a family, sometimes alone, with joy and a huge heart.  She always said, “If I keep my kids busy, they will stay out of trouble”. Martha allowed her children to pursue any interest they had and she supported those choices by never missing an event; swim meets, volleyball games, basketball games, cheerleading activities, motocross races, etc.  She was present and involved in every activity.   

When the children got older, Martha started a 20-year career in contract administration working at China Lake Naval Weapons Center, CA.  She enjoyed her time working on “the base” and made many life-long friends along the way. She was proud of her contributions and we were so proud of her.

In 1999, due to John’s failing health, Martha and John moved to Oceanside, CA.  Martha began a 10-year volunteer position at the California Welcome Center in Oceanside.  She loved meeting travelers and helping them see the best Southern California had to offer. She also continued to follow her passions for quilting, sewing and water aerobics. 

A move in 2016 took Martha and John to Paradise Village in National City, CA.  Martha was involved in many clubs and activities but none were as dear to her heart as the sewing club.  Over the 9 years Martha lived at Paradise Valley, she made 999 dresses for young girls in Africa and Cambodia.  Her dedication to this cause was unshakable.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John F. Faron and is survived by her children: Kathleen Thomson and husband, Bob, of Scottsdale, AZ., Susan Faron of San Diego, CA., Sandra Faron-Chantler and husband, Tim, of San Diego, CA., and Edward T. Faron of Glendale, AZ.  Grandchildren: Allison R. Strocsher and husband, Ken, of Scottsdale, AZ., Wiley S. Faron of Mission Viejo, CA. and Natalie D. Faron of Edmond, OK.

Private burial services will be held at Miramar National Cemetery, where she will be reunited with husband, John, at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to

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