Mary Joan Martelly is a woman many people are curious about, but very few truly know. She lived a quiet life beside one of the most famous boxers in the world. Even with fame around her, she always chose peace and family first.
In this article, we will slowly explore the life of Mary Joan Martelly. We will talk about her early days, how she came to the United States, how she met George Foreman, and how their long marriage began. So let’s get started.
Mary Joan Martelly Profile Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mary Joan Martelly |
| Also Known As | Mary Joan Foreman |
| Date of Birth | May 17, 1963 (some sources may vary) |
| Age (as of 2025) | 62 years old |
| Place of Birth | Mon Repos, Saint Lucia |
| Nationality | Saint Lucian-American |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) |
| Marital Status | Widowed (Married to George Foreman until his death in 2025) |
| Children | 5 biological, 2 adopted, several stepchildren |
| Profession | Businesswoman, Philanthropist |
| Known For | Wife of George Foreman, AIDS advocacy, family support |
| Current Residence | Huffman, Texas, United States |
Who Is Mary Joan Martelly
Mary Joan Martelly is best known as the wife of boxing legend George Foreman. But her life is much more than just being married to a famous man. She is a strong woman, a caring mother, and someone who believes in helping others quietly.
Mary Joan Martelly never chased fame or attention. She stayed mostly away from cameras and interviews. Instead, she focused on her home, her children, and supporting her husband. Her calm and simple nature made her respected by many people.
Mary Joan Martelly’s Early Life
Mary Joan Martelly was born in a small place called Mon Repos in Saint Lucia. It is a peaceful island in the Caribbean. She grew up in a large family with many brothers and sisters. Life was simple, but full of strong values.
As a child, Mary loved going to school and playing sports. She enjoyed growing up with the same children year after year. Her father passed away when she was young, which taught her strength early in life and shaped who she became later.
Mary, Come to the USA
Mary Joan Martelly first came to the United States on a temporary visa. At that time, she did not plan to stay forever. She came to help George Foreman during a difficult time in his life, showing kindness and support without expecting anything back.
Living in a new country was not easy for Mary. Everything felt different. But she stayed strong and calm. Over time, the United States became her new home, and she later became a Saint Lucian-American through her marriage.
How Mary Met George Foreman
Mary Joan Martelly met George Foreman before knowing he was a famous boxer. She did not follow boxing and had never watched him fight. To her, he was simply a kind and respectful man, not a sports star.
Their bond grew slowly and naturally. George admired Mary’s honesty and gentle nature. One day, during a simple movie outing, he surprised her with a small ring and asked her to marry him. She said yes with faith and trust.
Mary Marriage George Foreman
Mary Joan Martelly married George Foreman on March 27, 1985. It was George’s fifth marriage, but it became his longest and strongest one. Their marriage marked a new and peaceful chapter in both of their lives.
Mary stood by George through every stage of life. She supported his boxing comeback, business work, and faith journey. While George stood in the spotlight, Mary stayed behind the scenes, holding the family together with quiet strength.
Meet Mary’s Childrens
Mary Joan Martelly is not just a wife — she is a loving mother to a big family. She and George Foreman had five children together. Their names are George Foreman IV, George V, George VI, Leola Foreman, and Natalia Foreman.
They also adopted two more children later in life — Isabella Brandie Lilja in 2009 and Courtney Isaac in 2012. Mary became a stepmother to George’s other children from past relationships too. This includes sons and daughters like Michi, George Jr., Freeda (who passed away in 2019), Georgetta, and George III.
Mary raised all the children with love, care, and strong values. She was the kind of mother who picked her kids up from school and made sure they felt safe and supported. She never tried to be in the spotlight. She only wanted to be present for her family.
Mary Does Charity Work
Mary Joan Martelly is also known for her kind heart. She loves to help people — especially children and families who are going through hard times. But she doesn’t show off her good work. She believes in doing good things quietly.
In the 1990s, Mary became a spokesperson for the Pediatric AIDS Foundation. She helped teach people how to protect children from AIDS and how to care for those affected by it. She worked with George Foreman to start the Foreman Family AIDS Foundation to support these efforts.
Her charity work took her from Houston to Saint Lucia and beyond. She helped spread important health messages and gave support to families in need. Mary once said her grandmother taught her that if you want true blessings, you should help people without telling everyone. And she followed that advice.
Where is Mary Today
As of 2025, Mary Joan Martelly lives in Huffman, Texas, in a peaceful and private home. The property is very large — it covers 45 acres and includes a main house, guest house, and a gym. It took about three years to build and became the Foreman family’s dream home.
Mary doesn’t attend many public events. She likes to stay away from fame and cameras. She doesn’t use social media to show off her life. Instead, she spends her time with her family and focuses on staying peaceful and strong after George Foreman’s passing in March 2025.
Today, people admire her calm lifestyle. Even though she was married to a global sports icon, she always stayed down-to-earth. She is someone who chose family and kindness over fame and fortune.
Mary Joan Martelly’s Net Worth
Mary Joan Martelly has never talked publicly about money. Her exact net worth is not known, but it’s believed that she lives a comfortable life. This comes from years of supporting George Foreman’s work and helping with his business projects.
She helped quietly manage the Foreman brand, including things like the famous Foreman Grills. Even with this success, Mary never tried to show off wealth or live a flashy life. She always stayed simple and kind — just like how she was raised.
While we may not know her bank balance, it’s clear that Mary Joan Martelly is rich in love, respect, and family. And that’s what truly matters.
Final Thought
Mary Joan Martelly’s life is a quiet but beautiful story. She came from a small village, moved to a new country, and became the heart of a big family. She stood beside George Foreman with love and strength for nearly 40 years.
She raised children with care, helped people through charity, and stayed strong through good times and hard times. In 2025, Mary Joan Martelly is a great example of how love, peace, and kindness can shape a full and meaningful life.
Her story shows us that you don’t need to be loud to make a difference. Sometimes, the quietest people have the biggest hearts.
(FAQs)
When did Mary Joan Martelly marry George Foreman?
She married George Foreman on March 27, 1985. They stayed happily married for nearly 40 years.
How many children does Mary Joan Martelly have?
Mary has five biological children with George Foreman. She also helped raise two adopted children and several stepchildren from George’s past relationships.
Where was Mary Joan Martelly born?
She was born in Mon Repos, a small village in Saint Lucia, a Caribbean island country.
Did Mary Joan Martelly work outside the home?
Yes, earlier in life, she worked in a restaurant and a clothing factory. Later, she helped manage the Foreman family businesses while staying focused on her family.
What kind of charity work does Mary Joan Martelly do?
Mary is known for helping with AIDS awareness, especially in children. She worked with the Pediatric AIDS Foundation and co-founded the Foreman Family AIDS Foundation.
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