Martina Will 1967-2025

Editor’s note: Martina Will was a force in the community. She was an award-winning writer for Front Porch for many years, always focusing on issues that impacted the people of our city. She was a friend to many and a loving mother to her children. Her daughter Isabella wrote about her mother’s impactful life.

How does one put into words the death of a woman whose presence surpasses the physical limitations our worldly bodies bind us to? It would feel inauthentic to label Martina Will’s death as a departure, a passing, a transition; she always hated euphemisms.

Martina Elaine Will didn’t know it, but at the time of her birth, August 3rd, 1967, the world became a brighter and more just place. Born in Bonn, Germany, she soon moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where she would complete grade school. Her academic endeavors culminated in an impressive BA from the University of Virginia, an MA in Latin American Studies from the University of California at San Diego, and her PhD in History from the University of New Mexico.

As a Professor and Doctor of History and Latin American studies, Martina’s love and devotion for her field yielded thorough research and published books exploring death and dying in colonial South America. Martina provided support for nonprofits through grant writing, spent countless hours volunteering at local organizations such as Casa de Paz, and crafted stories for her community newspaper, Front Porch, oftentimes highlighting stories about underserved populations, polarizing political issues, and all the while fostering meaningful community connections.

Martina’s commitment to advocating for the GIST cancer community has left an irreversible impact on medical research. Even as she navigated her own prognosis, she never failed to advocate for others. In her final months, she devoted her energy to creating an SDH-deficient support group, bridging connections between individuals from all walks of life.

From her days working on a cruise ship, teaching tacky line dances and hosting bingo nights, to diligently sifting through forgotten records in Spanish archives, Martina has done it all. She has completed spiritual pilgrimages, lobbied on Capitol Hill, swam with sharks, danced salsa in Cuba, and reached new heights in 4-inch heels.

And while motherhood is not the most interesting part of her identity, it is one of the most important. Martina dedicated the past 21 years of her life to raising three children who will carry forth her legacy.

Words will never suffice in expressing the everlasting void that will forever remain in the lives of her children, siblings, parents, and friends. Her ability to evoke wonder sparked inward reflection in all those who knew her.

Whether known as Martina, Mausie, or a Wonder Twin counterpart, her legacy extends beyond her published books, delicious red-lentil soup recipe, and impassioned jigsaw puzzle skills. She will be fiercely missed by her children, Isabella, Sofia, and Luka; her siblings Christopher
Will, Stephanie Will Ching, and Dominic Will; and her parents Leonard and Wilma Will.

Martina never faltered in embodying the infamous line: “Start by admitting from cradle to tomb, it isn’t that long a stay. Life is a Cabaret.” Martina never settled for the ordinary. She lived admirably with tenacity and a fierce desire to connect, explore, and learn.

Martina viewed life as a dress rehearsal for the spirit and its counterpart as the beautiful unknown. May this next chapter bring Martina peace and everlasting bliss. She will live on forever in our hearts.

A funeral mass was held be held on August 19th at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.