Martha worked—mostly in factories—through her teens and adult years. Despite being part of the workforce, Martha did not meet anyone in whom she was romantically interested. When the abondanza of Displaced Persons arrived in Chicago, most of the men who were Martha's age already were married. Martha, at 31, was a bit too old for many of the single arrivals; back then, a man would not contemplate marrying an "older" woman. Mr. Irene's Mom, by contrast, connected with a young, unmarried immigrant.
Eventually, Martha happily met Wally, himself a Displaced Person. They married about ten years after the World War II refugees had arrived. Martha was forty-one years old. Martha and Wally lived in Marquette Park until Wally's death; they never had children.
After Wally died, Martha lived with Mr. Irene's Parents.
Marquette Park, Chicago, June 27, 1959. Martha and Wally sit with their attendants behind them, namely Martha's sister (Mr. Irene's Mom) and Wally's brother.
