Martha Jane Cesario

It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Martha Jane Cesario, who left us on April 2, 2025 at the age of 71.  

Martha was born on May 27, 1953 in Lakehurst, New Jersey. She grew up with 2 siblings, Ann and Mark, and her mother, Margaret. When Martha was a teenager, Margaret married Carl Hughes and the family moved to Kennesaw, GA where Martha attended and graduated from North Cobb High School. 

At the age of 20, Martha followed in her mom’s footsteps and joined the U.S. Navy. She attended bootcamp in Orlando, FL and did medical training in Illinois and California. From there, she was stationed in Guam and Japan - where her love for traveling the world began. 

After Japan, Martha was stationed in San Diego. During her time there she welcomed her two children, Carla and Patrick. From San Diego they traveled back to Japan (Iwakuni) and finally Dahlgren, Virginia - where Martha retired after 20 years of service. During her time in the Navy she received many awards, including: Navy Achievement Medal, Overseas Service, National Defense Service Medal, and Good Conduct. She was incredibly proud of her service. 

Upon retirement, Martha relocated to her childhood hometown of Kennesaw where she started working at Kennestone Hospital while going to school to obtain her nursing degree. She worked at Kennestone mostly as an OR nurse for over 20 years and touched the lives of many during her time there. 

The travel bug never left Martha and in the early 2000s she started travel nursing. It brought her all over the US and afforded her the opportunity to see new places and make new friends. Martha also reconnected with an old friend, Bob Mecklenburg, and they were married in 2016. Bob and Martha had the opportunity to live for many years together in Japan but after Bob retired they settled in Sun City Center, FL. 

Martha and Bob traveled all over. Her favorite country was Tahiti. She enjoyed being active, playing tennis and pickleball, she swam regularly and participated in a number of activities, including: good samaritans, audubon, gardening, sewing, Mahjong, pinochle, and tai chi. 

She is survived by her husband, Bob Mecklenburg; her children, Carla Coleman and Patrick Allen; her grandchildren, Harvey, Michele, Scotty and Marty Coleman, and Elliott Allen; and her brother, Mark Cesario. 

To commemorate her incredible journey and to celebrate the love she spread, a memorial service will be held in her honor at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at Sun City Center Funeral Home.

Mom, you were taken from us too early. You touched so many lives throughout your lifetime and we will miss you so much. Your mark on this world will endure forever.