martina ledzinski

Martina (Mankowski) Ledzinski, of Weirton, WV, and formerly of Carmel, California, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 5, 2024, at the age of 76.

Born on May 14, 1947, in Steubenville, Ohio, she was the youngest of two daughters born to John and Josephine Masiak Mankowski.

She grew up on the Mankowski farm in Weirton, WV, where she embraced her roots and developed a deep love for her community. Martina’s journey led her to pursue higher education at West Virginia University after graduating from Madonna high school. During her youth, she was crowned Ms. Weirton, a testament to her beauty and grace. It was during a beauty pageant in Wheeling, WV, where Martina’s life took a romantic turn as she met Jerome “Jerry” Ledzinski, a Cadet from West Point Academy. Their encounter blossomed into a beautiful love story, and they established their home in the picturesque coastal town of Carmel, California.

Together, Martina and Jerry were blessed with two sons and two grandsons, who brought immeasurable joy and fulfillment to their lives. Martina was known for her captivating charm and unwavering childlike faith that touched the hearts of all who knew her. She radiated warmth and generosity, finding immense joy in entertaining guests and hosting gatherings at her home. Her thoughtfulness, grace, and vivacity endeared her to everyone she met. Martina’s passions extended beyond her home. She was an avid bridge player, a staunch supporter of the military, and a devoted tennis mother, always cheering on her sons from the sidelines. Additionally, she contributed to her community as a member of the Junior League of Carmel and the Pebble Beach Club, where she formed lasting friendships and made meaningful contributions.

In addition to her parents, Martina was preceded in death by her husband, Jerome “Jerry” Ledzinski on May 9, 2016; and her sister, Sondra Lee “Sandy” Mankowski Myers on September 30, 2023.

She will be remembered with love by her two sons, Jerry Ledzinski II (Dolly) and Justin Ledzinski (Elli); her two grandsons, Adam and Taylor Ledzinski; as well as her nieces and nephews, Dr. Tina Cutone (Dr. Rachel Gilman), Edward M. Cutone III (Joan), Tammy Aftanas (Bruce) and Terry Neeley; and her brother-in-law, George Myers.

A celebration of Martina’s life will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Serra Foundation 2525 Pennsylvania Ave, Weirton, WV 26062 in Martina’s honor.

Share tributes at www.grecohertnick.com

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  1. Martina’s room at Serra Manor was right across from my Aunt Mary (Guz) Roberts. She was already there when Aunt Mary moved to Serra Manor almost five years ago, and I met her in the hallway as we were moving Aunt Mary in and we had a nice conversation. Also, I remember Martina from a long time ago because the Guz farm and the Mankowski farm were very close down in Kings Creek. I loved listening to my Guz family tell interesting stories about the Mankowskis and how they all attended dances, picnics, etc., “in the good old days.” Two beautiful Polish families who were great friends. Even though I’m a few years younger than Martina, we, at one time, rode the same school bus. When she would walk on the bus you couldn’t help but notice her smile and beauty–she was always nice to me and I was in awe of her. She was sweet, nice, and beautiful until the day she passed. When I visited Aunt Mary at Serra Manor I would see her, pat her on the back if she was out in the dining room, and ask her how she was–her response was always “good.” If she was in her room I would wave, and I always got a wave back. I am thankful that she and Aunt Mary talked all the time, and Aunt Mary would go to her room and say Good Night to her in Polish. To her family let me say I’m sorry for your loss. She was too young to go through what she did, and her passing is too soon, but, of course, God chooses when we go and she’s definitely in Heaven. God Bless her family and may her memory be a blessing. Sincerely– Linda Guz

  2. Martina was a Classmate Madonna HS Class of 1965. She was outgoing and such a
    pretty girl who always tried to do her best with the newly established dance. We were fortunate to be largest class to graduate in school history. I know she and Jerry loved
    California and their sons and all that life offered. She will be missed by her family and
    friends here and in California. God Bless you and yours Martina…………..

  3. Candle Selection 8Martin was a classmate at Madonna High as well as being a friend.
    We were all so proud of her winning the Miss Weirton title.
    She was a beautiful and kind person.
    My sympathies to her sons and their families.

  4. Heaven has gained another angel! I sit here in tears with sadness and grief for the loss of my dear friend Tina she had a love of life. It always showed with her beautiful smile. She was not a dance student of mine, but became a dear close friend she loved to dance and she danced on the steel pier in Atlantic City with the Casey sister starlets. Tina loved to dance. I was also with her at the miss teenage teen queen Ohio Valley pageant in Wheeling where she met the love of her life the Lindley cadets chaperoned the contestants. Jerry and Tina were meant to be. We kept in touch when she moved to California Tina was a proud mother and raised two special sons. She will always be remembered as a beautiful kind and caring human being, she will forever hold a special place in my heart! Now you can dance with the Angels Tina love you with all my heart

  5. Heaven has gained another angel! I sit here in tears with sadness and grief for the loss of my dear friend Tina she had a love of life. It always showed with her beautiful smile. She was a dance student of mine, but became a dear close friend she loved to dance and she danced on the steel pier in Atlantic City with the Casey sister starlets. Tina loved to dance. I was also with her at the miss teenage teen queen Ohio Valley pageant in Wheeling where she met the love of her life the Lindley cadets chaperoned the contestants. Jerry and Tina were meant to be. We kept in touch when she moved to California Tina was a proud mother and raised two special sons. She will always be remembered as a beautiful kind and caring human being, she will forever hold a special place in my heart! Now you can dance with the Angels Tina love you with all my heart

  6. Martina was a classmate of my sister Anna Mary DeFebbo (Sr Anne Dorice, OSF). The great Madonna class of 1965. Madonna born and Madonna bred.! Martina annd Anna Mary also went to SHM. May they rest in God’s peace together!

  7. I remember Martina as a classmate at Madonna High School. I also remember her as a dancer along with Jeanne and Jackie Swartz. We may have originally met at tap dancing classes at the dance studio on Main Street. She was kind and beautiful.


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