Martha Mary Zukas

Zukas, Martha Mary
Martha Mary Zukas (July 24, 1921 – August 12, 2015), was born in Ellwood City, PA, which is north of Pittsburgh. Her father was a foreman at the local steel mill. There were nine children—four boys and five girls. Martha was born third from the youngest, one of identical twins. Martha recalled a happy childhood living in a small town where everyone knew everyone else. Her home was a place of open doors to friends. Her childhood was spent during the great depression and though her family fared far better than most, there were sacrifices to be made by all. They had to pump water and they tended a large garden. Her mother canned all the vegetables they grew and much fruit. They grew bushels of tomatoes, baskets of strawberries and other produce. They had a large twenty gallon copper kettle in which they made apple butter every year. Since they had an enclosed porch the family served as a distribution center for much needed food for many families in the community.

Martha and her identical twin sister Mildred were on the debate team in High School, played softball and later attended nurses training. Martha later received additional training in Pediatrics and worked as head nurse at Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh. The hospital was a hub of activity—Dr. Jonas Salk was developing the first Polio vaccine and down the hall Dr. Benjamin Spock, the noted “Baby Doctor,” occupied space as well. Also at that time Sister Kenny was developing a treatment for polio victims.

Martha married her husband, Eugene, who was chosen to participate in the Manhattan Project, the top secret group that developed the atomic bomb. She recalled how shocked she was at the devastation after it was detonated at Hiroshima. Her husband was aware of the power of the weapon, but was sworn to secrecy during his work at Los Alamos, even with his wife. He was among the first to work with plutonium, but she did not believe that work resulted in any health problems for either of them. Martha was head nurse at the old Army hospital in Los Alamos. Also during their time in Los Alamos, Martha worked for 13 years administering chemotherapy in an oncology clinic. In 1965 she set up a blood bank in the community and was always active in the community. Her work as a nurse was extremely satisfying, but her 68 years of marriage was the most important aspect of her life. After retirement, Martha and Eugene traveled to Mazatlan, Mexico yearly to play bridge with people from many countries. She and her husband “never knew a stranger” and often hosted visitors from the State Department in their home while living in Los Alamos. They lived and worked in Los Alamos for 40 years and enjoyed that more remote community in which they raised two children—a daughter Pamela who remains in Los Alamos, received her PhD, and recently retired after 35 years at LANL; and a son, Timothy, who lives in Louisville, KY with his wife; he is head of a computer system for a company there; he and his wife have one daughter, Kit who lives in Indiana raising three children of her own. She is also survived by one brother, Donald Bollinger, who lives in Atlanta, GA. She was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene, four years ago; her twin sister, Mildred, six years ago, to whom she remained close to despite her sister’s marriage to an Army officer whose career took them to many locations around the world; her parents and her other siblings.

When asked what she would want her children and grandchildren to know, she emphasized the importance of a good education and also a strong work ethic. Throughout her life she believed that she gained more by sharing with others than she would have by attempting to hold tightly to things. Her Christian faith was always important. She attended the Rio Rancho Presbyterian Church and was proud that her son, Timothy, is an ordained minister in the Disciples of Christ. A Memorial Service will be held Monday, August 17, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at the Rio Rancho Presbyterian Church, 1004 24th Street, Rio Rancho, NM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.

Her family would like to thank the residents, management, and staff at the Rio Grande retirement facility for helping to make her last years full of fun and friendship. Her dearest friends, Joann and Bill and Emily Sue, and caregivers Delphina and Marie, were deeply loved and the family is extremely thankful for the care and friendship they provided.

Daniels Family Funeral Services
2400 Southern Blvd
Rio Rancho, NM 87124
505-891-9192