Mary Joan Martelly is known around the world as the steady partner of boxing legend George Foreman, but her own journey is just as meaningful. She grew up far from fame, faced family hardship early, and later built a life centered on love, children, and public service. This article explains her background, marriage, family, charity work, and life today.
Quick Bio of Mary Joan Martelly
| Bio Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mary Joan Martelly |
| Known For | Wife of George Foreman, charity work |
| Birth Date | May 17, 1963 |
| Age (2025) | 61 years |
| Birthplace | Mon Repos, Saint Lucia |
| Nationality | Saint Lucian-American |
| Husband | George Foreman (m. 1985–2025) |
| Marriage Year | March 1985 |
| Biological Children | 5 (3 sons, 2 daughters) |
| Adopted Children | 2 |
| Main Causes | Pediatric AIDS, HIV awareness, education |
| Residence | Texas, USA (Huffman area) |
Early life in Saint Lucia
Mary Joan Martelly was born on May 17, 1963, in Mon Repos, Saint Lucia, a small community in the Caribbean. She grew up in a large household with six sisters and two brothers. Her family lived simply, and money was often tight. From childhood, she learned to stay humble and work hard.
When she was still young, her father died at only 44 years old. This sudden loss changed the family’s life. Her mother had to raise many children alone, and everyone helped where they could. Mary took small jobs to support the home, including work in a restaurant, a clothing factory, and later as a nanny. These early years made her independent and caring.
School, sports, and dreams
At school she was active and loved sports. She played games with friends she had known since kindergarten, which made her childhood feel close and safe. She was a good student, but because of family needs she could not go to college. Instead, she focused on earning money and helping her younger siblings.
Even without higher education, she kept learning through life. People who knew her described her as calm, friendly, and strong. These qualities later helped her handle marriage, motherhood, and public work.
Moving to the United States
Mary Joan Martelly later traveled to the United States on a temporary visa. Her move was not planned as a search for fame. She first came to help during a custody case involving George Foreman and his former wife, Andrea Skeete. Mary was connected to the family through childcare work, so her words carried trust in court.
She went to Houston, Texas, for this legal support. During this period, she and George spent more time together. Their bond grew slowly. She has said she did not follow boxing and did not fully know how famous he was. She saw him as a kind man and a devoted father, not only a celebrity.
How she met George Foreman
Their relationship began in the early 1980s, after George had already been married four times. For him, this part of life was searching for peace and stability. For her, it was discovering love in a new country and meeting someone who respected her.
Mary has shared a simple story about his proposal. They were going to the movies when George stepped away for a moment. He came back with a small ring and asked her to marry him. She was surprised but happy, and she said yes.
Marriage and a long partnership
The couple married in March 1985. This became George Foreman’s fifth and final marriage, and also his longest. Their marriage lasted nearly forty years. In the public eye, their relationship looked stable because it was built on faith, family responsibility, and mutual respect.
Mary Joan Martelly preferred a private life, so she rarely appeared in interviews. Still, people close to the family say she played a major role in keeping the home peaceful while George traveled for boxing, business, and speaking events.
Building a very large family
Together, Mary Joan Martelly and George Foreman raised a big blended family. They have five biological children: George Foreman IV, George Foreman V, George Foreman VI, Leola Foreman, and Natalie Foreman. They also adopted Isabella Brandie Lilja and Courtney Isaac, and Mary became stepmother to George’s children from earlier relationships, including Michi Foreman, Freeda Foreman, Georgetta Foreman, George Foreman Jr., and George Foreman III. One special family detail is that George named all five sons “George Edward Foreman” to create unity, and Mary supported this choice to keep the house close and respectful.
Life as a hands-on mother
Mary often said she wanted to be fully present for her children. She did not want to miss school events or important moments. While George was often in the spotlight, Mary Joan Martelly worked in the background, making sure the home stayed stable. In many ways, she was the daily center of the family.
Raising so many children takes planning and patience. People close to the family describe her as gentle but firm, someone who listens carefully and makes decisions for the good of everyone.
Supporting George’s boxing comeback
When their marriage started, George was already a retired champion. Later, he surprised the world by returning to boxing in the late 1980s. Many doubted he could win again at an older age, but Mary Joan Martelly stood beside him and supported his training.
Her support mattered most during the years leading to his 1994 victory. In that fight, George Foreman became the oldest heavyweight champion in history at age 45. The world celebrated the win, and his family knew how hard the journey had been.
Protecting family and health
In later years, when George considered another return to the ring, some reports say Mary Joan Martelly encouraged safety first. She understood that health and family were more important than one more title.
This shows her role as a steady guide, not just a supporter who says yes to everything.
A private personality
Mary Joan Martelly is often described as humble and quiet. She does not chase cameras or social media attention. Even when her husband’s fame grew through boxing and business, she stayed mostly away from public drama.
Her culture also shaped this privacy. She believed that kindness should be done quietly. In her view, helping others is not for applause, but for real change.
Charity work and AIDS awareness
A key part of her public life is charity work. Mary Joan Martelly became involved in HIV/AIDS awareness, especially for children. She worked with the Pediatric AIDS Foundation and later helped form the Foreman Family AIDS Foundation with her husband.
They joined campaigns in Houston and in Saint Lucia, sharing information about prevention, testing, and support for families. In 2007, they were honored at “A World of Friends Fighting AIDS” for their long effort.
Helping education and youth
Mary also supported education projects for poor but talented children, especially in Saint Lucia. She helped create chances for students to attend college.
She also supported the George Foreman Youth and Community Center in Houston, which offers sports programs and safe learning spaces for young people.
Home in Texas
For many years, the family lived on a large estate near Huffman, Texas. The property had space for gatherings, sports training, and family celebrations. It included a main house and a gym, fitting the family’s size.
She helped manage daily schedules and supported a peaceful environment. In a family this large, order and warmth need constant effort.
Reality TV and public glimpses
In 2008, the family appeared in a reality show called “Family Foreman.” The show offered a rare look at their daily life. Viewers saw Mary as the calm partner who kept everything balanced.
After this series, Mary Joan Martelly did not seek more television work. She said she did not enjoy being in front of cameras.
Appearance in “Big George Foreman”
The 2023 biographical movie “Big George Foreman” tells George’s life story, including his marriage to Mary. She appears as a key emotional support while he rebuilds his faith and career.
The film helped new audiences understand that family support was part of his success.
Faith and values
Both Mary and George were tied to Christian faith. Their home included prayer, discipline, and strong family rules. Faith helped them handle public life and personal stress.
They also saw helping others as part of their family mission.
Life after George Foreman’s death
George Foreman died on March 21, 2025, at age 76. Reports said he passed peacefully with family close by. After his death, Mary Joan Martelly stayed out of the media and focused on her children and grandchildren.
Grief is heavy after decades together, but her pattern has always been quiet strength. She is expected to continue supporting health and education causes privately.
Net worth and public interest
Some websites guess her personal net worth is small compared to her husband’s wealth from boxing and the George Foreman Grill. These numbers are not official.
What matters more is her reputation. Many people respect her for loyalty, charity, and steady parenting.
Why her story matters
Mary Joan Martelly represents many women who hold families together behind the scenes. She moved from a small island to a huge American city, learned a new culture, and helped build a safe home for many children.
She also used her position to help others, especially children facing illness and poverty.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Mary Joan Martelly?
Mary Joan Martelly is the wife of George Foreman and a philanthropist known for charity work. - Where was Mary Joan Martelly born?
She was born in Mon Repos, Saint Lucia, in the Caribbean. - When did Mary Joan Martelly marry George Foreman?
She married George Foreman in March 1985. - How many children does Mary Joan Martelly have?
She has five biological children with George and helped raise his children from earlier marriages. - What charity work is Mary Joan Martelly known for?
She supports children’s health, education, and HIV/AIDS awareness causes.
Conclusion
Mary Joan Martelly is more than a famous wife. She is a Saint Lucian-American mother, a quiet philanthropist, and the partner who stood beside a man during his greatest changes. From early hardship to a life of family and service, Mary Joan Martelly has become a lasting example of quiet strength.
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