Martha Jane van der Veen was the youngest of three children born into the family of Oliver Perry Avery and Emma Dickenson. Oliver Perry was a Minister in the Congregational Church,.   During her childhood years Martha developed a lifelong love of pet animals. From her first dog, Tag, until she was no longer able to care for pets, she provided love and care for various cats and rescue dogs.

Martha had a tremendous work ethic and passed it along to her sons. She completed teacher's college and single-handedly supported three children into adulthood teaching 4th grade. She had a great love and talent for art. Her stained glass workshop behind the house in Pasadena California was where she created stained glass windows and doors for family and friends.  She also enjoyed "fiber art" as she created three-dimensional wall hangings that she would display and sell at art festivals in Sierra Madre. Some of her work is still in family hands to this day.

Martha was a life-long church goer. She actively supported church and humanitarian causes. She had a big heart for charity and gave freely to many organizations taking care of people and animals. She leaves a legacy of healthy and happy children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. People that knew Martha loved and respected her for her caring and generosity.