Early Life and Education of Martha Stewart: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Martha Stewart. A timeline of key moments.

Martha Stewart is an American businesswoman, writer, and television personality best known for founding Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. Her company focuses on home and hospitality, achieving success through publishing, broadcasting, merchandising, and e-commerce. She authored bestselling books, published *Martha Stewart Living* magazine, and hosted syndicated television programs like *Martha Stewart Living* and *The Martha Stewart Show*, solidifying her brand as a lifestyle expert.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1912: Edward Kostyra Born

In 1912, Edward Kostyra, Martha Stewart's father, was born. He passed away in 1979.

1914: Martha Ruszkowski Born

In 1914, Martha Stewart's mother, Martha (née Ruszkowski), was born. She passed away in 2007.

1922: Skylands gardens designed

In 1922, the gardens at Skylands, the former summer estate of Edsel Ford, were designed by landscape architect Jens Jensen.

August 3, 1941: Martha Stewart Born

On August 3, 1941, Martha Helen Stewart (née Kostyra) was born in Jersey City, New Jersey. She is the second of six children.

July 1961: Martha Stewart Married Andrew Stewart

In July 1961, Martha Stewart married Andrew Stewart, who was finishing his law degree at Yale Law School.

1961: Marriage to Andrew Stewart

In 1961, Martha Stewart married Andrew Stewart, who was then a student at Yale Law School.

1965: Birth of daughter Alexis

In 1965, Martha Stewart and Andrew Stewart had their only child, a daughter named Alexis.

1979: Death of Martha Stewart's Father

In 1979, Edward Kostyra, Martha Stewart's father, passed away.

1987: Andrew and Martha Stewart Separated

In 1987, Andrew and Martha Stewart separated.

1987: Separation from Andrew Stewart

In 1987, Martha Stewart and her husband, Andrew Stewart, separated.

1990: Andrew and Martha Stewart Divorced

In 1990, Andrew and Martha Stewart divorced.

1990: Divorce from Andrew Stewart

In 1990, Martha Stewart and Andrew Stewart divorced.

May 1995: Stewart Declared 'Definitive American Woman'

In the May 1995 issue, New York Magazine declared Martha Stewart "the definitive American woman of our time".

September 1997: Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Founded

In September 1997, Martha Stewart, with the assistance of Sharon Patrick, secured funding to purchase the various television, print, and merchandising ventures related to the Martha Stewart brand and consolidate them into a new company, named Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (MSLO).

June 4, 2003: Stewart Indicted by Grand Jury

On June 4, 2003, Martha Stewart was indicted by a grand jury on nine counts, including charges of obstruction of justice, related to the ImClone stock trading case.

2003: Martha, Inc.: The Story of Martha Stewart

In 2003, a television film titled "Martha, Inc.: The Story of Martha Stewart" was made about Martha Stewart's life. Cybill Shepherd portrayed her in the film.

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January 2004: Stewart's Trial Begins

In January 2004, Martha Stewart went on trial on charges including obstruction of justice related to the ImClone case. Prosecutors aimed to show that Stewart was informed about ImClone's CEO selling his shares before an adverse FDA ruling.

March 2004: Stewart Found Guilty

In March 2004, after a six-week jury trial, Martha Stewart was found guilty of felony charges including conspiracy to obstruct, obstruction of an agency proceeding, and making false statements to federal investigators.

July 2004: Stewart Sentenced

In July 2004, Martha Stewart was sentenced to a five-month term in a federal correctional facility and a two-year period of supervised release (including five months of electronic monitoring) after being found guilty of felony charges.

October 8, 2004: Stewart reports to prison

On October 8, 2004, Martha Stewart reported to FPC Alderson to begin her prison sentence.

2004: Stewart Confined to Federal Prison Camp

In 2004, Martha Stewart was confined to Federal Prison Camp in Alderson, West Virginia, after her lawyer's request for incarceration in Connecticut or Florida was denied. The remoteness of Alderson made it difficult for her then-90-year-old mother to visit.

2004: Beam v. Stewart Derivative Suit Dismissed

In 2004, Monica Beam, a shareholder of MSLO, brought a derivative suit against Stewart and other directors and officers of the company. It went before the Supreme Court of Delaware and was ultimately dismissed.

March 4, 2005: Stewart released from prison

On March 4, 2005, Martha Stewart was released from FPC Alderson at 12:30 AM and began a two-year term of supervised release, including five months of home confinement with electronic monitoring.

March 2005: Martha Stewart Released from Prison

In March 2005, Martha Stewart was released from federal prison after serving five months for felony charges related to the ImClone stock trading case.

2005: Martha: Behind Bars

In 2005, another television film, "Martha: Behind Bars," chronicling Martha Stewart's life was released, with Cybill Shepherd reprising her role.

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August 2006: SEC Settles Civil Case Against Stewart

In August 2006, the SEC announced that it had agreed to settle the related civil case against Martha Stewart. Stewart agreed to disgorge $58,062 and pay a civil penalty of $137,019, and was banned for five years from serving as an officer of any public company.

November 16, 2007: Death of Martha Kostyra

On November 16, 2007, Martha Stewart's mother, Martha Kostyra (also called "Big Martha"), died at the age of 93.

2007: Death of Martha Stewart's Mother

Martha Stewart's mother, Martha (née Ruszkowski), passed away in 2007.

February 2008: Breakup with Charles Simonyi

Around February 2008, Martha Stewart broke up with billionaire Charles Simonyi, after dating him on and off for 15 years.

June 2008: Stewart Denied UK Visa

In June 2008, the UK Border Agency refused to grant Martha Stewart a visa to enter the United Kingdom due to her criminal conviction for obstructing justice.