Obituary of Martha Katherine Brinkman

Martha Brinkman Mom, Gram, Oma, GG, Centenarian Martha Katherine (Butler) Brinkman, 104, passed away on Sunday, August 18th. Born in the Bronx, April 1, 1909, Martha moved to Carlstadt, NJ, at age 2. At age 8, she and her family moved to a home on First Street, where she lived until moving to the Oradell Health Care Center in March of 2011. Martha was honored as the oldest alumnus of Carlstadt’s school system, and on her 100th birthday, the Carlstadt Mayor and Council declared April 1st ever-after as Martha Brinkman Day. Graduating from East Rutherford High School with a 2-year secretarial certification, her business career began at age 16 with the Lyndhurst Trust Company, then on to Dry Dock Savings Bank, NYC, where she met her beloved husband, Harold Brinkman, a respected Carlstadt council member for many years , who passed in 1975. Always on the go, Martha worked until she was 87 and drove until 97. A member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Wood-Ridge, she served as parish secretary for many years. Her father helped build the church and was their first organist. Martha was the proud mother of 3, John Brinkman and his wife Barbara, Rockaway; Jim Brinkman, Glastonbury, CT; and Jane Lolk, who passed in 2011. Martha is also survived by 6 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Funeral arrangements under the direction of the Norman Dean Home For Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville. Visitation will be held at the Episcopal Church of St. Paul & Resurrection, Wood-Ridge, NJ on Wednesday, August 21st from 4:00 - 7:00 PM. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, August 22nd at the church at 11:00 AM. Donations may be made in Martha’s name to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Northern NJ Chapter, 14 Commerce Drive, Suite 310 Cranford, NJ 07016. To send a message of condolence, please go to www.normandean.com