Martha Ruszkowski Kostyra, or “Big Martha,” was the mother of Martha Stewart, of one of the most well-known names in lifestyle and homemaking. While she might not have been nearly as well-known as her daughter, her impact on Martha’s career and life was enormous. Let’s take a look at the life of this significant woman and learn what made her so unique.
Quick Facts About Martha Kostyra
| Full Name | Martha Ruszkowski Kostyra |
| Birthdate | September 16, 1914 |
| Occupation | Homemaker, Teacher |
| Husband/Wife | Edward Kostyra |
| Died | 16 November 2007 |
| Age | 93 (at the time of her death) |
| Parents | Not Known |
| Grandchildren | Alexis Stewart, Sophie Martha Herbert, Christopher Dylan Herbert, Charlie Plimpton |
| Children | 6 children: Laura Plimpton (Daughter), Frank Kostyra (Son), Martha Stewart (Daughter), George Christiansen (Son), Eric Scott (Son), Kathryn Evans (Daughter) |
| Net Worth | <$1 million |
Early Life and Background
Martha Ruszkowski was born on September 16, 1914, in Buffalo, New York. She was of Polish descent, and her family had immigrated to the United States prior to World War I. Martha grew up in a traditionally oriented family, where she learned the importance of hard work and discipline from an early age. She later married Edward Kostyra, and they had six children.
Family Life and Values
Martha and Edward Kostyra established a strong family foundation in Nutley, New Jersey, and raised their children there. They were a Catholic, middle-class family. Both Martha and Edward were initially teachers. Edward later changed careers and worked as a salesman for pharmaceuticals. The Kostyra family wasn’t rich, but they lived diligently and ensured their children knew the value of discipline and family.
Martha Ruszkowski Kostyra played a large part in educating her children in basic skills. She taught them a great deal of information about cooking, sewing, and other household chores. Her teaching was particularly influential to Martha Stewart, who went on to develop a multi-million-dollar empire on these skills.
Teaching Martha Stewart
Martha Ruszkowski was Martha Stewart’s first teacher. She taught Martha how to sew, cook, and take care of a home. All of these stuck with Martha Stewart, and she would routinely credit her mother with instilling in her the skills that she employed during her lifetime. Indeed, in her 1983 book Martha Stewart’s Quick Cook, Martha devoted the book to both her mother and grandmother, stating that she was the first teachers she had.
On Martha Stewart’s television shows, “Big Martha” frequently appeared, demonstrating to viewers how to cook or sew. She assisted in illustrating family recipes and household hints, passing on the knowledge she had taught her daughter. Viewing them together on television, viewers were able to see the special relationship they shared.
Later Years and Community Life
Upon the death of Edward in 1979, Martha Kostyra relocated to Weston, Connecticut, to live near some of her children. Even in later life, she remained active within her community. She became a member of the Weston Senior’s Book Club and participated in water exercise classes at the Westport Y. Her commitment to her community and enthusiasm for learning extended through to her later years.
Support During Martha Stewart’s Trial
Martha Ruszkowski Kostyra’s loyalty to her daughter was evident in the bad times. When Martha Stewart was tried on a very public insider trading charge in the early 2000s, “Big Martha” did not waver in her support. She went to the trial and saw her daughter in prison when necessary. Martha Kostyra was a constant and reassuring presence during those difficult times.
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Death and Legacy
Martha Ruszkowski Kostyra died on November 16, 2007, at the age of 93. She died at Norwalk Hospital in Connecticut. Her death put an end to an era, but she lived on in the lives of her children and particularly in Martha Stewart’s professional life.
Martha Kostyra was left behind by her six children, including Martha Stewart, Laura Plimpton, Dr. Eric Scott, Frank Kostyra, Kathryn Evans, and George Christiansen. She also had numerous grandkids and other family members who cherished and admired her.
“Big Martha” was recalled as a hardworking mother who instilled her children with family, discipline, and homemaking values. Her impact on Martha Stewart’s life and career cannot be overstated. Without her influence, Martha Stewart may not have become the household name she is today.
