Marta Justus Foldi, well known for her work with Spring Valley Montessori School in Federal Way, died December 1. She was 72.

Marta was born July 5, 1937, in Oradea, Romania.

She emigrated to the United States in 1948 with her parents Madeleine and George Justus, ultimately relocating from New York City to Seattle in 1949.

In her adult life Marta lived and worked in Seattle, New York, Chicago, Cleveland, and Atlanta, and traveled extensively with her husband, opera singer Andrew Foldi.

Most recently she was Director of Community Relations at Spring Valley Montessori School in Federal Way, the non-profit school owned and operated by her family since 1951.

Marta passed away peacefully on December 1, 2009, due to complications arising from a stroke and ovarian cancer. She was a strong woman, who had survived breast cancer with grace and courage. She was deeply loved and an instant friend to all who met her, and will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her mother Madeleine, brothers Peter and Robert, sons Gregory and Christopher, and grandchildren Sydney, Julia,
Nathaniel, Quinn, and Tate.

A memorial gathering will be held Saturday, December 5th, at 2:00 p.m. at Wayside United Church of Christ in Federal Way.

In remembrance, donations may be made to the Susan G. Komen foundation (ww5.komen.org/donate/donate.html) or Spring Valley Montessori School (253-927-2557).