Martha Vail Pownall

Martha Vail Pownall, age 95, of Toledo, OH, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on October 11, 2023. She was born December 1, 1927, in Sebring, FL to Monroe and Mattie (Etheredge) McDonald. Martha graduated from Florida State University and began her teaching career in her hometown. She met the love of her life, Mark Pownall, who was training in Sebring during WWII. They married in 1950 and moved to Toledo to build a life together.

Martha dedicated her life to educating young minds and was beloved by her students. She taught speech and drama at Woodward, DeVilbiss, and Start High Schools and was inducted into the Start Hall of Fame in 2005. Martha spent countless hours outside the classroom directing plays and musicals and coaching the debate team. Late in her career, she obtained her Master’s Degree from the University of Toledo and had the opportunity to mentor student teachers.

An enthusiastic sports fan, Martha enjoyed watching football and baseball, especially Ohio State. Her favorite hobbies were sewing and creating beautiful dolls with intricate detail. She will be remembered for her wonderful sense of humor and her ability to befriend everyone she met. Martha’s grandchildren called her “Lulu” because of her similar personality to Lucille Ball.

Martha is survived by her children, Kip Pownall (Candace L. Smith M.D.) and Laura (Paul) Salfai; grandchildren, Kiel Anderson, Amanda (Josh) Vopat, Rebecca (Bryce) Odegarden, and Alex Salfai; great-grandchildren, Asa, Elodee, Fiona, Colton, Jax, Zoe, and Kenzie; sister-in-law, Catherine McDonald; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her friend and companion, Harold Hoffman. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and brothers, Howard (Dorothy), Etheredge (Chris), Parker (Ruth), and Donald McDonald.

Family and friends may visit November 6, 2023, from 11-noon at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave. The memorial service will begin at noon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the University of Toledo Alumni Association. Special thanks to the staff at Traditions and to Ohio Living Hospice, especially Sean Sullivan.