Martha Sherman Gerstein

Martha Sherman Gerstein, 76 of Ashburn, Virginia passed away in Arlington, Virginia on August 26, 2025. Martha was born on December 12, 1948, in San Francisco, CA to Benson and Helen Sherman (nee Russell). Martha graduated from Fort Vancouver (WA) High School in 1966 and went on to study classical languages at Reed College in Portland, Oregon. Martha was deeply proud of her work at the Salk Institute and with welfare offices in Boston (MA) and Portland (OR), and later found her niche in desktop publishing, where she excelled as a meticulous editor. A voracious reader, she also loved playing cards and completing crossword puzzles in red pen. She loved cats and dogs, played piano beautifully, was a skilled knitter, had exquisite handwriting, and was a skilled calligrapher. Her sharp wit and appreciation for sarcasm were matched by her unwavering commitment to justice and equality. Generous with her time and spirit, Martha was a lifelong volunteer. She regularly donated platelets, saving lives through her generosity. Her community involvement included dedicated service to the National Council of Jewish Women, Temple Rodef Shalom, Virginia Region Pony Clubs, numerous PTAs, and All-Night Graduation Parties at her daughters’ schools. She enthusiastically supported her daughters’ pursuits in color guard and equestrian sports. Martha found joy in spirited conversations about politics, literature, and film. She was a life-long, dedicated liberal Democrat. She relished time spent with friends and family, white wine, Diet Coke, and Pop-Tarts. Martha was predeceased by her parents, Ben and Helen, and is survived by her three daughters, Marigold Gerstein Bergman, Marisa Gersten Pineau, and Sarah Gerstein and their father, Dean Gerstein; her grandchildren, Marin Bergman, Ilona Pineau, Judah Bergman, and Nico Pineau; and her sons in law, Paul Barnett, Erik Bergman, Scott Pelland, and Bernard Pineau. A graveside service and internment will be held at King David Memorial Gardens, located at 2712 Hollywood Rd, Falls Church, Virginia, 22043 on Thursday, August 28 at 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ASPCA, ACLU, or any social justice or anti-fascist organization.

Martha Sherman Gerstein

December 12, 1948 - August 26, 2025