Mary Joan Martelly, born on May 17, 1963, in Mon Repos, Saint Lucia, is widely recognized as the devoted wife of legendary boxing champion George Foreman. Over nearly 40 years of marriage, she played a crucial role in supporting his career, raising a large blended family, and managing their household with grace and dedication. Known for her faith, philanthropy, and family values, Mary Joan’s life is a testament to quiet strength and unwavering commitment behind the scenes of a global sports icon.
Before marrying Foreman, Mary Joan had never seen him box or followed his career, yet she became a strong and loving partner, helping him navigate personal and professional life. Beyond her role as a wife and mother, she is actively involved in charitable work, focusing on AIDS awareness and children’s education, leaving a lasting impact on communities in Houston and Saint Lucia. Her story combines family dedication, philanthropy, and resilience, making her an inspiring figure in both private and public spheres.
| Key Fact | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mary Joan Foreman (née Martelly) |
| Birth Date | MApproximately 62 years old (as of 2025) |
| Birth Place | Mon Repos, Saint Lucia |
| Age | Approximately 40 years old (as of 2025) |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) |
| Weight | 139 lbs (63 kilograms) |
Early Life of Mary Joan Martelly
Mary Joan Martelly was born on May 17, 1963, in Mon Repos, Saint Lucia, as the third daughter in a family of eight children. Growing up in the Caribbean island community of Mon Repos, she experienced a close-knit family environment that shaped her values of faith, responsibility, and resilience. Her father passed away at a young age, which strengthened her determination to support and care for her family from an early age.
During her school years, Mary Joan excelled in academics and sports, demonstrating leadership and discipline. She completed her schooling in Mon Repos, Saint Lucia, where she developed the qualities of perseverance and dedication that would later define her role as a supportive wife, mother, and philanthropist. These formative experiences laid the foundation for her lifelong commitment to family, community, and charitable work.
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Full name/Real name:
Mary Joan Foreman (née Martelly)
Birth date/Birth place:
Born on May 17, 1963, in Mon Repos, Saint Lucia
Family background:
Mary Joan Martelly is the third girl in a family of eight children, consisting of six girls and two boys. Her father passed away when he was 44 years old. She grew up in a close-knit community in Mon Repos, Saint Lucia, and relocated to the United States at a young age. She values her family deeply, with a large blended family including children from her marriage to George Foreman as well as his previous marriages.
School/University:
Mary received her education locally in Mon Repos, Saint Lucia. She excelled in sports during her school years and grew up attending the same school from kindergarten through high school, which she described as a very fun and close community. There is no specific mention of university education, but early jobs were at a Chinese restaurant and a clothing factory before she married George Foreman.
Career Journey of Mary Joan Martelly
Mary Joan Martelly’s career journey is defined not by fame but by her dedication to family, philanthropy, and social causes. Before marrying the legendary boxing champion George Foreman in 1985, Mary led a humble life in Saint Lucia. Focusing on personal growth and community values. Her life took a significant turn after marriage when she became an essential part of Foreman’s success story—not only as a supportive wife but also as a partner in managing family and philanthropic ventures. Her breakthrough moment came when she stepped into the public eye alongside George, dedicating her time to humanitarian causes and family development.
During the peak years of Foreman’s fame and business success, Mary Joan Martelly played a vital behind-the-scenes role in building their family empire. She actively participated in charitable projects, especially those focusing on AIDS awareness and children’s education in Houston and her native St. Lucia. Her notable work includes co-leading awareness campaigns and mentoring young people through community outreach initiatives. Over the years, she has been celebrated as the pillar of strength in the Foreman household—balancing the roles of wife, mother, and philanthropist with grace and purpose.
Physical Appearance of Mary Joan Martelly
Age:
Mary Joan Martelly was born on May 17, 1963, meaning she is currently 62 years old (as of October 2025).
Height:
Her height is approximately 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm).
Weight:
139 lbs (63 kilograms)
Physical attributes:
Mary Joan Martelly has a graceful presence, described in some accounts as having an athletic build, likely influenced by her fondness for sports during her school years. She has dark hair and a warm, approachable demeanor often noted in interviews and appearances. She maintains a relatively private life, avoiding the public spotlight despite being married to a famous figure.
Major Achievements of Mary Joan Martelly
Mary Joan Martelly’s major achievements extend far beyond her identity as the wife of legendary boxer George Foreman. She has earned admiration for her philanthropic contributions and commitment to social welfare. Particularly in the areas of AIDS awareness and children’s education. Alongside her husband, she co-led several campaigns across Houston and St. Lucia. Helping to spread education and compassion in communities most in need. Her work has positively impacted countless lives, earning her recognition as a compassionate humanitarian and a symbol of quiet strength.
In addition to her charitable work, Mary Joan Martelly’s greatest achievement lies in her role as the matriarch of the Foreman family, nurturing and guiding their large blended household. Raising five biological children—George IV, George V, George VI, Leola, and Natalie—along with adopted and stepchildren. She created a foundation of love, discipline, and faith that continues to define the Foreman legacy. Her ability to balance family life, philanthropy, and public responsibility highlights her as one of the most respected and influential figures in George Foreman’s life story.
Personal Life of Mary Joan Martelly
Family:
Mary Joan Martelly is from a large family of eight children (six girls and two boys). She is the third girl in her family. She has five children with George Foreman — George Foreman IV, George Foreman V, George Foreman VI, Leola, and Natalie. Along with several stepchildren and adopted children in their blended family.
Nationality:
She is Saint Lucian by birth and holds American citizenship as well, making her Saint Lucian-American.
Religion:
Mary Joan Martelly practices Christianity.
Ethnicity:
Her ethnicity is mixed, reflecting her Caribbean roots.
Marital status/Relationship:
Mary Joan Martelly was married to boxing legend George Foreman from 1985 until his death in March 2025. They had a strong, enduring marriage lasting around 40 years.
Net worth:
estimated between $500,000 and $2 million as of 2025
Interesting Facts About Mary Joan Martelly
- Saint Lucian Roots – Mary Joan Martelly was born and raised in Mon Repos, Saint Lucia. Where she developed her strong sense of family and community.
- Unaware of George’s Fame – Before marrying George Foreman in 1985. She had never seen him box and didn’t know much about his legendary career.
- Philanthropic Heart – She has been deeply involved in AIDS awareness and children’s education campaigns in both Houston and St. Lucia.
- Family Matriarch – Mary Joan is the mother of five children with George Foreman and helped raise several more from his previous relationships, creating a large, blended family.
- Private Yet Influential – Despite her husband’s fame and wealth. She has chosen a low-profile lifestyle, focusing on family, faith, and philanthropy over public attention.
Conclusion: The Grace and Legacy of Mary Joan Martelly
Mary Joan Martelly stands as a symbol of strength, humility, and unwavering devotion. From her early life in Mon Repos, Saint Lucia, to her nearly four-decade-long marriage with boxing legend George Foreman. She has lived a life rooted in faith, love, and family. Her influence extended far beyond being the wife of a global icon—she became a pillar of support. Ensuring that family and philanthropy remained at the heart of their legacy.
Through her quiet grace and compassionate nature, Mary Joan Martelly continues to inspire admiration as a dedicated mother, humanitarian, and role model. Her contributions to AIDS awareness campaigns and children’s education initiatives reflect her lifelong commitment to making a positive difference. As she carries forward George Foreman’s legacy, her story reminds the world that true greatness is often found behind the spotlight—in the kindness, resilience, and love that define a life well-lived.
FAQs About Mary Joan Martelly
1. Who is Mary Joan Martelly?
Mary Joan Martelly is best known as the wife of legendary boxer George Foreman, with whom she shared nearly 40 years of marriage filled with love and philanthropy.
2. When and where was Mary Joan Martelly born?
She was born on March 25, 1985, in Mon Repos, Saint Lucia, and raised on the Caribbean island before moving to the United States.
3. What is Mary Joan Martelly known for besides being George Foreman’s wife?
She is recognized for her charitable work, especially in AIDS awareness and children’s education programs in both Houston and St. Lucia.
4. How many children does Mary Joan Martelly have?
Mary Joan and George Foreman share five biological children—George IV, George V, George VI, Leola, and Natalie—along with two adopted children.
5. What is Mary Joan Martelly’s net worth?
While her personal net worth is not specified, she shared in her husband’s family fortune of around $300 million, earned from boxing and business ventures.
