Marta Dirtadian Fallon, 81, of Utica, NY, and most recently, Fort Mill, SC, passed on to be with the Lord on March 16, 2019 with her children by her side. Marta was born March 21, 1937 in Utica, NY, to Dirtad and Maritza Mouradjian Dirtadian. Survivors of the Armenian Genocide, her immigrant family was hard-working, talented in music, literature, art, and agriculture – all of which she embraced and shared with others. Marta treasured her rich Armenian heritage. A graduate of Utica Free Academy in 1955, Marta married her beloved childhood sweetheart, Donald C. Fallon, on May 30, 1957. They celebrated 48 years of marriage in a committed partnership of love, family, music and ministry, until Don’s passing in 2006. Marta worked at Homestead Savings Bank and as a nurse’s aide in her early years, co-owned Westwood Pharmacy in Whitesboro in the early 70s, and retired as Payroll Clerk at the Masonic Home in Utica after 20+ years of service. She also worked several years in the business office at Dover Laser Eye Center in New Hartford. Marta had many dear friends at work. In 1974, Marta and Don used their musical talent and love for God to bring contemporary Christian music into the Mohawk Valley. Partnering with friends Chuck and Hilda Paddock, of Ilion, the Valley Voices for Christ began under Marta’s direction for its first 15 years. Hundreds of VVC singers ministered across NY and PA. VVC members are still family, connected for eternity. Marta also directed church choirs at: St. Paul’s Episcopal, West Schuyler United Methodist, Middleville and Fairfield Episcopal, Christ Community; the “Coffee and Carols” chorus; and several children’s choirs; and sang with Mohawk Reformed Church choir. In 2014, Marta moved to Fort Mill, SC to be near her youngest grandchildren, with whom she enjoyed a wonderful new stage in life. Thank you to her special friends, Karen and Nils Steika, for helping to make the SC years joyful. Marta was also blessed to have special Fort Mill Bible Study friends, and a wonderful Life Group. She is survived by children: Carol and Stan Smola, Mohawk; Mary Ann and James Carroll, Utica; John and Lauren Fallon, Utica; Kevin Fallon and Paula Scaparo Moore, Ilion; Stephen and Joan Fallon, Fort Mill, SC; and was “Grammy” to beloved grandchildren: David and Lori Smola, GA; Sarah Smola, GA; Stephanie Fallon, CT; Michael Carroll, Buffalo (Victoria Holtke); Christina Carroll, Syracuse (Eric Berney); Anna Carroll, Utica (Kevin Snyder); Jennelle Fallon (Mike Forresti), Whitesboro; Grace Fallon and Nicholas Fallon, SC; Alexandra Paye, CT; Keegan Paye (Katie O’Neill), Utica; great-grandson, Landon Ross; “adopted” son, Giovanny Guerrero and wife Ester. Marta also leaves her beloved sister and friend, Marian Amiraian, FL; sister-in-law Rosie Dirtadian, AZ, and brother-in-law, Mourad Tarpinian, New Hartford. She was pre-deceased by sister, Arpina Tarpinian; brother, Henry Dirtadian; brother-in-law George Amiraian; brothers and sisters-in-law; William and Winifred Fallon, Robert and Gertrude Fallon, and Doris and Joseph Rogolski; nieces Arpina Amiraian-Bilecki, Elizabeth Fallon, and nephew, Harry Jones; and several Dirtadian cousins. Marta leaves many cherished nieces and nephews: Arsen Amiraian, Annette (Amiraian) and Dan Maggio, David and Donna Amiraian, George and Angie Amiraian, Armen and Nancy Dirtadian, Lucine Dirtadian, Susan (Tarpinian) and James Gadbow, Richard and Darla Tarpinian, B.J. and Roseanne Fallon, Michael and Sharlyne Fallon, Mary Beth (Fallon) and Billy Esposito, Tim and Erika Fallon, Jackie Sue (Fallon) Jones, Connie (Fallon) and Dean Blask, Craig Fallon, and many beloved great-nieces and nephews. Marta was active in local Christian Women’s Clubs, shared her Christian faith in music, sermons and Bible studies, cooked for those in need, and lovingly shared her artistic talents. She was generous, courageous, accepting of others, and always caring for those entrusted to her. She conquered illness and adversity with grace and dignity. Humbly, she delighted in spreading joy, treasuring family and friends. She encouraged her children to be compassionate, genuine, honest, respectful, loving, and hard-working – to bring their best to every situation – and to honor God. Her eyes saw beauty in everything that God made, and her ears heard the music of Heaven in song. She was a choir director noted for her ability to lead people of all music levels in beautifully expressive harmony. So many of those who knew her conducting, spoke of how they enjoyed watching her expression as much as listening to the music. An artisan for life, she was always crafting something with her hands – painting, gardening, canning, sewing, flower arranging, and most recently, beautiful quilting to share with others. Thank you to all of the special people who added joy and love to Mom’s life, and especially to: childhood/lifetime friend Jeannie Manfredo (pre-deceased), whom she dearly missed; Louise Smith, Sally Harder, Susie Richards (pre-deceased), Joan Wittman, Greg and Geri Rosser, Pastor Brian Engel, VVC sisters and brothers, and the Mohawk Reformed Church family. Donations may be made in Marta’s memory to: Mohawk Reformed Church, Salvation Army Soup Kitchen, Herkimer, or the Utica Rescue Mission. Calling hours: 5 – 7 p.m., Friday, April 5, 2019 at Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, Otsego St., Ilion, NY. Celebration of Life Memorial Service: 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 6, 2019, Mohawk Reformed Church, 20 S. Otsego St., Mohawk, NY.