Sylvia May Martin

Sylvia May Martin, of Atlanta, Georgia, peacefully passed away on October 29, 2023 at the age of 86. She was surrounded by her family and had just received her Last Rites. The Monsignor sweetly said: “she’s good to go.” And she did within the hour. Sylvia fought for her life many times over the years, having chronic heart and lung diseases, and in the end, it was ‘just a virus’ that took her life unexpectedly.

Sylvia was born on January 23, 1937 in New Orleans, Louisiana to Anna Rita Sabathe and Noah Lawrence Martin. She was the youngest of three children by many years and was essentially being raised as an only child until her parents took in their grandson, S. Edward “Sonny” Falgoust, and raised him as their own. Sylvia and Sonny had an inseparable bond throughout their lives and considered themselves siblings. Sonny’s passing was hard on Sylvia.

Sylvia grew up around the Mid-City and Lakeview areas of New Orleans. After graduating from John McDonogh High School, she embarked upon a business curriculum at a local college. After only a year, she dropped out of the program wanting to marry the love of her life, John Joseph Caruso, and start a family. They had a daughter, Dotty, and a son, Johnny. Sylvia loved being a wife and mother, and no one was a better homemaker than she. Simply put, this was a very happy marriage until it wasn’t, and after twenty plus years, the marriage ended rather abruptly.

Sylvia’s life took on a whole new direction after the dissolution of her marriage, and she found her calling in retail. For about thirty years, she excelled in retail management and sales, starting in bridal and formalwear and transitioning to cosmetics. She won many awards for sales and other achievements along the way. Through the years, and between New Orleans, Houston, and Atlanta, she was employed by D.H. Holmes, Dillard’s, Macy’s, and Bloomingdale’s. Also, she was a sales representative for Estee Lauder and Guerlain. In her later years, she enjoyed selling designer men’s fragrances at Bloomingdale’s, where she developed a large and loyal following of clients.

In her leisure time, Sylvia loved to travel. She explored the USA, Canada, Mexico, exotic islands, and Europe, which was her favorite destination by far. She had a special devotion to the Blessed Mother and made pilgrimages to both Fatima and Lourdes; she was in awe of the spiritual significance of these shrines. Reading and watching movies were also among her favorite pastimes.

Sylvia had two lives in one, and not necessarily by choice. She overcame adversity and thrived because she was resilient, adaptable, and never looked back. She had a persevering spirit and a youthful demeanor, always looking beautiful and younger than her years. Some described her as glamorous, and she was even mistaken for a celebrity on occasion. She was outgoing, hardworking, determined, loving, and always helpful to those around her. Her warm and caring nature endeared her to family, friends, and clients alike.

Of all her accomplishments, Sylvia was most proud of her family and loved them unconditionally. She moved to Atlanta twenty-five plus years ago to be with her grandchildren as they grew up. She was with her family every step of the way and rarely missed an event, special occasion, or vacation. Her presence will be greatly missed because everything was more fun when she was there, and precious memories were made. She was loved and always will be.

Sylvia is survived by her daughter, Dorothy Caruso Duplantier, and son-in-law, Bradley Duplantier, M.D.; her son, John Caruso, and daughter-in-law, Elizabeth LaBorde Caruso; her granddaughter, Claire Duplantier Villines; her grandson, Martin Duplantier, D.D.S. (Tatiana); and her great-grandson, Eric Martin Villines. Sylvia loved Eric more than life itself; he was her greatest joy! During the last year of her life, as she was struggling to survive, her nurses, caregivers, and friends all said that her face lit up when Eric came to visit. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Sylvia was pre-deceased by her parents, her sister, Theo Martin Brennan, and her two brothers, Noah Lawrence Martin, Jr. and Sonny.

Sylvia’s family sincerely thanks the staff and especially the caregivers at Heartis Buckhead for taking such good care of her. Sylvia loved everyone at Heartis.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Sylvia’s life on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, located at 4640 Canal Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70119. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to Noon, followed by her Funeral Mass at Noon. Interment will follow the Mass at Hope Mausoleum, located at 4841 Canal Street. All guests are invited to join the family for lunch at Mandina’s Restaurant, located at 3800 Canal Street, following the interment.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Sylvia’s memory to Toys for Tots or The Salvation Army USA. She had a soft spot for those less fortunate especially at this time of year.