Martha J. Brace, of Waterford, died Wednesday, December 24th at home with family at her side. Born on January 29, 1936, in Union City, PA, Martha was the daughter of the late David and Evelyn Lopus Gross and was one of six children.

Brace, Martha J.In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by siblings Nancy Gross and Barbara Rindfuss, and her in-laws, Earl and Anna Brace. She is survived by her husband E. Leslie “Buck,” daughter Debra Brace, son Douglas Brace (Lynette), four grandchildren, Logan Englert, Haley Englert, Ashley Frank (Steve) and Justin Brace. Martha is also survived by her brother, LeRoy Gross (Luetta), her sisters, Elsie Brace (William) and Carole Carne, and several nieces and nephews.

Martha attended Union City High School, graduating in 1954, and following graduation, worked at A & P Food Stores. She married her husband of almost 54 years, Buck Brace on January 7, 1961, at which time she started working on the family farm. Martha dedicated the next several years of her life to working by her husband’s side on the farm.

Martha enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, who were the joy of her life. She also enjoyed NASCAR, camping, bird watching and spending time with family and friends. Martha dearly loved her dog Buddy, who never left her side.

The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the caregivers at the Brookside home in McKean, where Martha resided the last fourteen months of her life, as well as Regional Home Health and Hospice, who lovingly cared for Martha during her last days.

Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours at Van Matre Funeral Home, 105 Walnut Street, Waterford, on Sunday, December 28, 2014 from 2 – 6 p.m., and the funeral service there on Monday, December 29th at 10:00 a.m. Officiating will be Andrew Gross, Martha’s nephew. Burial will follow in Waterford Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1128 State Street, #301, Erie, PA, 16501 or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 2816 Elmwood Avenue, Erie, PA, 16508.

Martha was a loving and caring woman who was loved by everyone who knew her. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.