KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – After a five-year battle to recover from a stroke, Marthe DiGiovanna Lanza finally went home to the Lord at 1:31 a.m. Monday, Dec. 1, 2014, at her home in Kelseyville. She was 88 years old.

Marthe was a French war bride, married her husband GI Joe (a Normandy invader) in Paris.

Aside from her love of family, especially her four children, she had a passion for dressmaking. She worked as a seamstress at a factory until she was able to open her own bridal shoppe. She was gifted in designing, pattern making, beading, and creating that special dress. She took pride in being able to make every bride into the most beautiful princess.

Later she tried other creative arts. She was gifted at crochet, knitting and macramé. She took art classes and was gifted at drawing, water color and oil painting. She made something beautiful out of everything she touched.

Marthe moved to Lake County in 1988. She was an active member of a singles club, followed the dance route for the seniors around the lake, was an active Christian at Lakeport Christian Center, loved the Lord and it showed in her constant smile, sweet loving attitude and giving heart.

She was a longtime member of TOPS, a group that continued to support her after her stroke with cards and letters.

Her oldest son Denis went on before her but she is survived by her sister, Charlette, who always made her laugh till she wet her pants; her remaining three children, Tina of Kelseyville, Joseph of St. George, Utah, and Michael of Glendora, Calif.; along with daughters-in-law whom she loved; 17 grandchildren; and multiple great-grandchildren.

She was loved by many and will be missed by more. Sing on Mom … and keep on dancing!

We will be celebrating your life at a memorial in January ... we love you Mom.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, Lakeport.