WILMINGTON — Martina Widmark Lipsey, 93, of Wilmington, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on October 30, 2025, at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare in Wilmington.
Born on April 11, 1932, to Knute Martin Widmark and Evalyn Ford Widmark, Martina devoted her life to her family, faith, and community.
She worked as a Southern Bell Telephone Operator and later with Gordon O. Hinson Insurance. Martina was a longtime and very active member of Calvary Baptist Church in Wilmington, where she served faithfully for many years singing in the choir and serving on many committees. She traveled extensively, visiting Hawaii, Alaska, Australia, Czechoslovakia, Thailand, Malaysia, Russia, Norway, Denmark and even walked on the Great Wall of China. Smokey, Stanley and her drove the entire I-40 interstate and on her 80th birthday she went ziplining.
A spirited and energetic woman, Martina enjoyed softball, playing in both church and city leagues, and proudly placed second in the nation in ping pong. Played basketball, bowling, karate, tennis, tap dancing, and cheerleading. Even into her 80s, she could still do cartwheels and splits—and loved dancing.
She is survived by her daughter, Karen Coleman (Mike) of Wilmington; granddaughter, Brecka Kidd (Wes); great-grandson, Kacen Kidd; and great-granddaughter, Skylyn Kidd, all of Wilmington.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Clarence “Smokey” Lipsey; son, Stanley Lipsey; and grandson, Michael Coleman.
Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Baptist Church or Lower Cape Fear LifeCare.
