Martha Melchiori

Martha Louise (Little) Melchiori, born on December 18, 1937, in Waco, Texas, passed away peacefully on the morning of January 14, 2023, in Sacramento, California surrounded by her loved ones.

Martha is survived by her husband of nearly 67 years, Bart Melchiori; two sons: Tim (Karla) and Mike (Ann); ten grandchildren: Brian, Brandon, Zach, Nick, Hayden, Jessica, Parker, Chris “CJ”, Kaylyn, and Taylor; twelve great-grandchildren: Jayden, Tyler, Lucas, Nathan, Evelyn, Abigail, Theo, Forrest, Gianna, Georgia, Layla, and Benjamin. Martha is also survived by her two sisters: Betsy Tranberg and Mabel O’Neil. She is preceded in death by her oldest son, Ken.

Martha married her high school sweetheart, Bart on February 11, 1956, in Chico, CA. They met at McClatchy High School and lived in Sacramento throughout their entire marriage, living in the same home where they raised their family for over 64 years.

Martha worked at Royal Electric as a bookkeeper and receptionist in the 1970s. She left the workforce to raise her boys and spend time with her family before returning to work for Dial One DW Erfert Painting as a bookkeeper and receptionist. Throughout the years she enjoyed her side business as an “Avon Lady” and was also involved in the organization Women in Construction.

Bart and Martha enjoyed a lifetime of camping, beginning when their three sons were small boys. Later, they joined the camper club, SFO Easy Riders, where they enjoyed monthly outings with lifelong friends for over 40 years. They purchased a cabin in Kyburz, CA in 1979 and enjoyed making memories in the cabin with family and many friends.

Martha was very creative and was always working on a craft, whether it was crocheting blankets, scarfs, or beanies; making jam, relish, or limoncello; sewing doll clothes or sock monkeys; or her latest craft, making bracelets and necklaces. She would see a picture, get inspired, and the next thing you knew she was back crafting. She also loved gardening, fishing, and bowling.

Above all, her family was most important to Martha. To her grand and great-grandchildren, she was lovingly known as “Nana”. She could be stern, and she could be sassy, but there was a tenderness in the way she raised her family, and her unparalleled selflessness and unconditional love always shone through.

Nana will be sorely missed but forever loved.