Mary Joan Martelly is the wife of the famous professional boxer George Foreman. Throughout their marriage, she has been a strong pillar for George in his boxing career, other business dealings, and family matters for almost 40 years.
Mary was born in St. Lucia, one of the most beautiful Caribbean islands. She came to the United States and met George. They fell in love, and together they have one big happy family of 12 children, some of his from previous marriages, and five of their own.
People wonder who might be the woman behind this legendary “Big George” Foreman. Mary has been a rock to George, standing by his every endeavor. She has also assisted him in giving back to others, most especially in her country of birth, St. Lucia. Their longest-lasting marriage so far proves that true love can really last, even in the heyday of celebrity limelight.
Content Compass
Biographical Overview
| Name: | Mary Joan Martelly |
| Birthday | May 17, 1963 |
| Age | 61 |
| Birth Location | Mon Repos village, St. Lucia |
| Ethnicity | Mixed |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Zodiac sign | Taurus |
| Net Worth | $1 million - $2 million |
| Height | 5 ft 4 in |
| Weight | 128 lbs |
| Occupation | CharityNon-profit Worker/Wife of George Foreman |
| N/A |
Who is Mary Joan Martelly?
She is George Foreman’s wife, Mary Joan Martelly, from St. Lucia, Caribbean. Mary met George during one of the most challenging times in 1985. She helped him through a custody battle for his kids.
That turned into love, and they married in the same year. And they are still married. Mary may be George’s fifth wife, but both have shown that they can stay committed to one another for decades.
They have five children together. Marcus had several children from previous marriages. Mary is a stepmother in an extended blended family and has often been called a caring and attentive partner.
Marie is not only the wife of a popular boxer but she also takes care of other people’s troubles. She works together with George on projects that help kids learn and fight AIDS.
Mary stood right by his side as he sought to return to the ring in 1987. She gave him the support and strength for his comeback and remained by his side through his ups and downs.
Tragically, they lost their beloved daughter Freeda in 2019. This was perhaps the lowest point in their life, but Mary pulled them together during that time.
Mary is a private person; she never speaks about herself in front of people. But on the other hand, it is so obvious that she is the world to George.
Early Life
Mary Joan Martelly was born under the scorching sun of the Caribbean island of St. Lucia on May 17, 1963. Raised in the little village of Mon Repos, she had beautiful beaches and lush forests as a child growing up. She spent most of her girlhood playing outdoors and exploring nature.
Growing up poor, Mary’s parents made it up by giving their children lots of love. Mary Joan’s mum tried to get food on the table as often as possible and inculcated a great deal into her children the value of working hard. Even when little, Mary Joan helped clean the house and looked after her younger siblings with much care.
Mary Joan valued education. She was a bright child and enjoyed learning daily. Her teachers praised her in class, as she was curious and eager to learn more at school. Despite the challenges at home, she would never miss a single day at school.
As she grew older, the urge for a better life brewed within her. The great stories of opportunities in America engraved in her mind the will to join them someday. Little did she know that her journey would eventually take her to Houston, Texas, where a whole new chapter in her life would unfold.
Much of Mary Joan’s early years in St. Lucia not only formed her, but the warmth of the Caribbean home, with the love of her family and lessons she had gained while growing up, lingered all her life. These helped her face with strength and determination the many problems that confronted her in years to come.
Early Career
Mary Joan Martelly initiated her career in the non-profit sector. She got employed in a charity organization with the urge to help people in need.
In her first role, she actively engaged herself in organizing events to raise funds for one cause or another and even organized volunteers who could help in the events.
Mary Joan soon proved to be a leader among them. She was articulate in rousing people’s interest in serving others. She got on well with her colleagues.
With time, she accepted greater challenges: first, larger projects; then, larger teams to manage. Mary Joan loved the difference that made in peoples’ lives in localized communities.
The early days were hardly easy: tight budgets, long hours; yet it was that burning desire to change something in people’s lives that bailed her through.
These early experiences shaped the later path of Mary Joan. They taught her much-needed lessons: teamwork, problem-solving, and commitment to a cause.
Mary Joan Martelly Height and Weight
Mary Joan Martelly stands at 5 feet 4 inches tall, which is about 162 centimeters.
She reportedly weighs about 58 kgs, or approximately 128 pounds. Note, however, that weight does fluctuate from time to time, so this could not be quite accurate.
Mary is roughly the height and weight of an average woman for her age. It’s nice to think she’s comfortable in her own skin.
These figures give us an estimation of her body features, but they do not tell us anything about her person. After all, it is her warm nature and her support towards her husband, George Foreman, that has been tested through time.
Who is Mary Joan Martelly’s Husband?
She is married to the renowned Boxer named George Foreman. The couple got married back in 1985 and are still together.
George Foreman is quite an accomplished athlete. He is a professional boxer and has won a gold medal in the Olympics. He is famous for his strong punches, bringing him great fame and success within his field.
George may be Mary Joan’s first husband, but she is George’s fifth wife. The couple has created an enormous happy family together: they have five children of their own and also bring up George’s children from previous marriages.
The Foremans reside on a large estate in Texas. It’s a 40-acre estate, where they lead a very family-oriented life, away from all the media glare. She has been with George through all the changes in his life. She stood with him as he quit boxing and emerged as one of the famous businessmen.
Together for almost 40 years, their relationship seems to still be in good condition. Up and downs in life together they raised kids, and built a life around the successful boxing career of George.
Mary Joan Martelly’s Net worth
Yet the actual net worth of Mary Joan Martelly is not known. Some estimates lie between $1 million and $2 million; however, these are mere guesses. It is very difficult to say how much she actually has in her account.
She benefits through her marriage to George Foreman, though. George made a lot with boxing and his popular grill. That does not really mean that all of that would be Mary Joan’s.
Mary Joan does some great work in her own right. She assists in AIDS awareness in St. Lucia and Texas. Work of that nature is often underpaid, but never to be unappreciated or underestimated.
We do not know of any businesses that Mary Joan operates independently. Husband George has fared well with his grill and other businesses. Perhaps Mary Joan has involvement with some activities behind the scenes?
Rather, Mary Joan has added value over and above dollar amounts. In serving people and taking good care of her family, she is an added asset. Rather priceless, if we cannot quantify it.
Social Media
Mary Joan Martelly keeps a low profile on social media. She doesn’t have public accounts on popular platforms like Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook. This choice aligns with her private nature and focus on family life.
While Mary Joan avoids the limelight, her husband George Foreman keeps his fans updated about his life and career.
This couple’s kids seem a bit more social media active, as they post about family gatherings and activities fairly regularly. On rare occasions through the accounts, Mary Joan’s world can be glimpsed by followers.
Mary Joan’s absence from social media doesn’t mean she’s disconnected. She likely stays in touch with loved ones through private channels. Her choice to avoid public platforms shows her commitment to a quieter life away from fame.
Prospects of the Future-Vision
Yet, Mary Joan Martelly is nowhere near the end of her career. She has great plans for the future. The story is still about service to humanity, mainly kids. She intends to fight harder for children affected by AIDS. This is very dear to her heart.
Martelly wants to work with other groups. For more people to be reached, collaboration is necessary. Martelly hopes that someday no more children in the future will be infected with AIDS. This may be idealistic, but she is undeterred. She remains stroght through her calm demeanor. Staying away from the limelight, she works from backstage.
Going forward, Martelly plans to:
- Initiate new health programs for children
- Expand her AIDS awareness programs
- Engage in partnership building with local agencies.
Diversify her professional activity in other fields. She believes in the power of community, the bigger the participation, the larger the change. In her simple words, “A healthier, happier world for children everywhere.”
Martelly’s way forward is unbending: she will continue to make her voice heard in the lives of others. Quietly, she works; her actions scream loud. As she goes along, many lives are going to be touched with her care and devotion.