Martha Leigh Crabb

Martha Jo (Leigh) Crabb, age 89, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family. Born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1937, Martha lived a life defined by service, learning, adventure, and devotion to those she loved.

In 1966, she moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she raised her family and built a career. After many years of spending winters in Florida, she made Bradenton her permanent home in 2000.

Martha was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Warren Francis Crabb; her sons, Michael and Robert; her sister, Nancy; her brother, Russell, and her half-sister, Jane.

She is survived by her children, Cathleen Crabb (Taeg Nishimoto), Warren Crabb (Terri), Laura Bond (Steven), Patrick Crabb (Alice), and Mary Crabb (David Klein). She also leaves behind 16 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and a great-great-grandson, all of whom brought immense joy to her life.

A dedicated nurse, Martha spent many years caring for children as a pediatric endocrine nurse at Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital. She later continued her commitment to service as a home visit nurse for Allegheny County. Throughout her life, she generously shared her time with her community, volunteering at libraries in both Pittsburgh and Bradenton. As President of the Friends of the Braden River Library, she organized displays, presentations, and programs that enriched the lives of countless library patrons.

Martha was also an active member of the Ladies of the Shrine Songbirds and served for decades as a volunteer election worker, believing deeply in civic engagement and community involvement.

An avid reader, Martha could often finish a novel in just two days and was rarely without a book close at hand. Her love of books remained a constant throughout her life. She also had a passion for travel, visiting all fifty states and more than thirty countries, embracing every opportunity to experience new places, cultures, and people.

Martha will be remembered for her intelligence, compassion, curiosity, generosity, and unwavering dedication to her family and community. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched through her work, volunteer service, friendships, and the love she shared with her family.

Martha will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband at Jefferson Memorial Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where they will be reunited in peace.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.