Alta Marie Martenson

Alta, a life-long resident of Jamestown, was born on Nov. 25, 1930 in Red House, New York to Roy and Marvel Rogers Ostrander.

After graduating from Jamestown High School in 1948, Alta attended the Jamestown School of Practical Nursing, graduating in 1951. She worked as an LPN at the Jamestown General Hospital until she married the love of her life, Dr. Bruce Martenson, on July 14, 1956.

As the wife of a dentist, Alta was quite involved in the Women’s Dental Auxiliary as well as the Creche and Women’s Auxiliaries of the WCA and General Hospitals, where she was Chairman of the infamous “Pocket Ladies”, present each year at the General Hospital’s Summer Fair.

Alta worked in real estate for a few years when her children were older, but her calling had always been to care for others. She became a devoted in-home caregiver to numerous patients, an occupation that she followed for many years, and truly took to heart.

Her favorite pastimes were reading, looking for treasures at household sales, going for rides in the country, especially in autumn to Allegheny State Park and Red House; gazing at the stars and wondering “what’s out there?”, baking goodies and her famous macaroni and cheese, and collecting inspirational quotes.

She adored cultivating her colorful flower gardens as well as studying the different types of birds she would observe from her window. Because of this curiosity she visited the Audubon Community Nature Center and Roger Tory Peterson Institute whenever possible. She was also able to visit the Martz-Kohl Observatory in the fall of 2022, with her own private tour, no less! But nothing compares to her favorite pastime of all: spending precious time with her grandchildren. She created a legacy of tradition, love, and memories that they will pass down for generations to come.

Alta loved all kinds of music, from classical to country. Among her favorites were Mantovani, Andy Williams, Neil Diamond, and Willie Nelson. Let’s not forget her favorite Christmas song, “Silver Bells”, of whose composer she actually met, and which she even sang in summer!

For over 50 years Alta had been a member of the St. Luke’s congregation, partaking in numerous volunteer activities, but she especially enjoyed her years as a member of the Thrift Shop “staff”.

Besides her parents and eight siblings, Alta was preceded in death by her husband Bruce and her daughter Karin.

Alta is survived by her daughter Susan L. Martenson of Florence, Italy; her son Bruce Gregory Martenson and his wife Kristen of Tualatin, Oregon; 8 grandchildren: Camden Victoria Farese of Milan, Italy, Lara Alexis and Caroline Astrid Farese of Florence, Italy, Olivia Grace Goldberg of Boston, Massachusetts, Griffin Atticus Goldberg of Syracuse, New York, Bruce Michael Martenson of Phoenix, Arizona, Amanda Nicole Miller of Bend, Oregon, and Ashley Rae Miller of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

For those fortunate to have known Alta, you will agree with the old adage, “to know her is to love her.” She was kind, loving, patient, elegant, beautiful, witty, altruistic and practical. She touched countless people’s hearts, and that is where she will stay…in all of us.

As were Alta’s wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service. A memorial celebration with close friends and family is planned for the spring of 2024.

Memorials for Alta may be made to the Audubon Community Nature Center of Jamestown and the Marshal Martz Memorial Astronomical Association of Frewsburg, New York.