Marti Carelli-Gilbert, 77, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 18, 2021.

Marti was born in Renovo, PA on 10/30/43 as the daughter of Daniel and Jean (Thomas) Burgstresser.  Marti's family moved in 1955 to Ft. Myers, FL where she spent most of her pre-adult life.  She had a passion for animals, horseback riding, snow skiing, the ocean, sailing, and when at the beach you could find her walking the beach for hours collecting seashells.  Marti, most recently a member of New Vision Baptist Church in Murfreesboro, TN has lived the past 9 years in Chattanooga, TN to be near her sons.

After graduating from Ft. Myers High School, Marti attended Lenoir Rhyne College in Hickory, NC where she was a cheerleader and graduated with a Physical Education degree.  It was there that she met and married her husband Al Carelli.  Al Carelli was notably a football coach who died in the 1970 plane crash that took all the lives of the Marshall University football team.  November 14, 1970 defined Marti's life significantly and led to her writing and publishing the book, Halftime (a mother's memoir) which was a life account of her and Al's life together leading up to the plane crash.

Marti later married Jim Gilbert, which brought her family to Nashville, TN.  She worked throughout her work life as a school teacher, as a manager for the Cracker Barrel Corporate training team, as an instructor for The American Red Cross, and most recently she taught and trained wait staff throughout Tennessee for the Spirits Program.  Marti has always been known as a woman full of spirit, spunk, and adventure.  She has lived her life passionately with purpose and with a focus on helping others.

Marti is survived by her 4 children, 13 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren.  Her children are  Vincent Carelli (Chattanooga, TN), Kelly Rochow (Los Angeles, CA), Ronald Carelli (Chattanooga, TN), and Andrew Gilbert (Wilmington, NC).  Her grandchildren are Lauren Carelli, Hailey Hoffman, AJ Rochow, Tristin Rochow, Cassidy Rochow, Skye Carelli, Seth Carelli, Savannah Carelli, Bella Carelli, Alli Carelli, Hutson Gilbert, Cordes Gilbert, and Guerlain Gilbert.  Her great grandchildren are Eden Hoffman and Ivy Hoffman.

Marti is also survived by two sisters and one brother, Rachel Coss (Ft. Myers, FL), Danny Bergstresser (Ft. Myers, FL), and Rebekah Gibbs (Sherman Oaks, CA).

The family will be having a private celebration of life and ask that in lieu of any flowers, donations be made in Marti's name to The Alzheimer's Association.

Arrangements are by Hamilton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 4506 Hixson Pike, Hixson (423) 531-3975.