Clementine J. "Tina" Light

Clementine Joyce (“Tina”) Light of Lewes, DE, passed away at her residence on September 1, 2025, at the age of 83. Born in Wilmington, Delaware, on August 21, 1942, Tina was the beloved second daughter of the late August C. Martell and Joyce Watkins Martell.

Tina grew up in Carneys Point, New Jersey, and graduated from Penns Grove High School. She continued her education at Goldey-Beacom College. In 1961, she married Kenneth Arthur (“Ken”) Light. A few years later, the couple relocated to Saudi Arabia, where Ken began working with the Arabian American Oil Company (Aramco). During her years abroad, Tina was employed as an office assistant with both Schlumberger and Aramco.

After returning to the United States in the mid-1980s, Tina pursued further education at Widener University, earning her associate’s degree. She went on to work as a travel agent at Kennett Travel and later as an office assistant with Discover Financial.

Tina was deeply creative and loved making things by hand, especially sewing, crocheting, and card making. A passionate reader and world traveler, she delighted in exploring new places and cultures. As a young woman, she was an enthusiastic Girl Scout and later shared her love for the organization as a troop leader in Arabia. Known for her warm spirit and devotion to children, Tina played a central role in raising her granddaughters, Breanna and Mackenzie. Her dedication to supporting “grandfamilies” extended beyond her own—she was active with Grandparents United Delaware, where she published a newsletter and advocated before state legislators for expanded rights. In recent years, she also found joy in volunteering at local thrift shops in Rehoboth, Delaware.

Tina is survived by her sister, Jacqueline (widow of the late Ronald); her daughter, Julie (Thomas); and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her sister Margaret, her husband Kenneth, and her daughter Jennifer.

The Light family extends heartfelt gratitude to Delaware Hospice for the compassionate care they provided to Tina and her loved ones.

Funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Tina’s memory to the American Cancer Society.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Clementine J. "Tina" Light, please visit our floral store.