Martha Maria Staring

Little Falls, New York-Martha Maria Staring, age 30, a lifelong Little Falls resident, was tragically and suddenly taken from her cherished family and friends.  Her passing occurred on Friday, December 9, 2022, at Saint Elizabeth Medical Center, Utica, New York.  When her untimely passing occurred, she had the support of those who loved her, at her bedside.

Martha was born on Dec. 22, 1991, in Cooperstown, NY daughter of the late George Staring and Nora Bielejec and graduated with the Little Falls High School, "Class of 2010”.  She furthered her education attending Utica College and went on to attend Virginia Wesleyan University where she received a bachelor's in psychology.  Martha received a masters degree from Regent University, in Virginia.  She dedicated her life to helping others in need, particularly those struggling with mental health issues, most recently employed with aptiHealth,Inc., Saratoga, where she was an online therapist.  Martha enjoyed the time she spent as a counselor at Little Falls High School and working with the students.  

Martha was a very faithful person and prayed for all those she knew and worked with. She was of the Catholic faith and attended Holy Family Parish, Little Falls.  In her days at Little Falls High School and during college, she excelled in field hockey and most recently loved watching her niece, Jaime Harrigan, play.  

She brought laughter, love and joy to everyone she met and was an amazing daughter, sister, niece, aunt and friend. Martha was the light of our lives and lived her life with passion and purpose. Martha's whole life was dedicated to her family and friends, which to her, was a life fulfilled. She made everyone feel loved and always wanted to care for others. She had a heart so full that she wanted to share it as much as she could.  We can only imagine how pleased her Lord and Savior was to welcome her home - "well done, my good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21).

Survivors include her loving family, her mother, Nora (Bielejec) Staring of Herkimer; her siblings, Nicole Theresa Agricoli and husband Marco of Suffolk, VA, Kelly Jude Staring and fiance Torrey Sitterly of Little Falls, Theresa Martha Metzger and husband Kyle of Amsterdam, NY; nieces and nephews, Dominic, Stella and Aria Agricoli, Jaime Harrigan and Joelle Metzger.  She also leaves many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who became family and love her so very much. She was preceded in death by her father, George Staring in 2011, by her maternal grandparents, Joseph and Martha (Murphy) Bielejec and paternal grandparents, George and Theresa (LaFontaine) Staring.

Martha's family would like to offer their deepest gratitude to the entire staff at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Utica, especially mentioning the ICU, the neurosurgeon team, trauma team, nurses and techs and also to Lisa Castellano for all of her love and support. The family is honored and humbled to receive such tremendous love and support from their Little Falls family and surrounding communities.  It will never be forgotten.  There will be a scholarship set up in the coming days to honor Martha's memory and her efforts to provide caring mental health to those in need, which will be established at the Little Falls High School.  Please call the high school for further details.  

The Staring family will be receiving relatives and friends at Mohawk Valley Funerals and Cremations, 7507 State Route 5 (corner of Bidleman Rd.), Little Falls, 315-508-5131, on Friday, December 16, 2022 from 6-9 pm, for those who would like to pay their respects and say goodbye.

Martha's funeral will commence at 11 am on Sat., Dec. 17th from Holy Family Parish, corner of E. Main and John Sts., Little Falls where the Rev. Brian Slezak, pastor, will celebrate her Mass of Christian Burial, assisted by the church Resurrection Committee.  Procession will follow to St. Mary's Cemetery, town of Herkimer, where interment will take place. Coordination of funeral services are under the direction and care of Mohawk Valley Funerals and Cremations, 7507 State Route 5, between Little Falls and St. Johnsville.