Martha Willett Kulsveen, 77, of Bardstown, died peacefully Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at her home.
She was born June 18, 1947, to Thompson and Virginia Willett. She was raised a stone’s throw from My Old Kentucky Home State Park. The Willett family’s affinity for hospitality was ingrained in her and each of her siblings at an early age. It was through the open doors of the inviting Beechwold house that Even G. Kulsveen first entered Martha’s life. There began the love story of a lifetime. The were married Dec. 16, 1972, at St. Joseph’s Cathedral. The marriage resulted in two children raised on lasagna and dry humor.
She graduated from Western Kentucky University and promptly began serving the most vulnerable children in our community as a social worker, impacting the lives of countless families with her fearless support. In 1984, alongside her husband, she turned her focus to honoring her father’s spirited legacy by taking on the family-owned and operated Willett Distillery where the influence of her warmth and tradition of hospitality live on.
In work, she earned the title president, but she considered her greatest title to be GaGa, as that was the name her grandchildren chose for her. With excitement for GaGa, their grandchildren, alongside nieces and nephews, flocked to her.
She was always seen with her signature sunglasses, for the sun always shines bright on her old Kentucky home.
She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Susan Dawson; and one brother, Tommy Willett.
She is survived by her husband, Even; one daughter, Kristin Martha Britt Kulsveen (Casey); one son, Even Andrew “Drew” Kulsveen (Janelle); two sisters, Mary Fisher and Alice Willett Heaton (Dick); two brothers, JD Willett and Richard Willett; three grandchildren, Even Baron Kulsveen, Amelie Scout Chavanne, Iver Opdahl and Bridjette Willett Kulsveen; and her neighbors and Willett Distillery family.
The Mass of Christian Burial is 1 p.m. Monday, May 12, 2025, at St. Thomas Catholic Church with the Rev. Bill Hammer officiating. Burial is in the church cemetery.
Visitation is 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday, May 12, 2025, the Houghlin-Greenwell Funeral Home.
The Houghlin-Greenwell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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