A funeral mass took place Sept. 5 at St. Paul of the Cross RC Church for Martha Cortese, 88, of Jersey City. She died peacefully surrounded by her family on Aug. 29. She was born in Jersey City and lived there her whole life. She started work at the early age of 15 at Kresge Department Store on Central Avenue in Jersey City. Martha was both a caretaker for 31 years at the Convent of St. Paul of Cross and a Sacristan for 40 years before retiring in 2005. She was predeceased by her husband, Samuel J. who died in 2008. Surviving are her children, Russell and Christina Belfiore and her husband, Robert; her sister, Joanie Tenebruso; also surviving are many nieces and nephews. Services arranged by the Fallon Funeral Home, Jersey City.
