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 known for founding Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. Her company focuses on home and hospitality, achieving success through publishing, broadcasting, merchandising, and e-commerce. She has authored bestselling books, published Martha Stewart Living magazine, and hosted syndicated television programs like Martha Stewart Living and The Martha Stewart Show, solidifying her influence in lifestyle and media.

Sections (5)

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

1912: Birth of Martha Stewart's Father

In 1912, Edward Kostyra, Martha Stewart's father, was born. He later became a pharmaceutical salesman.

1914: Birth of Martha Stewart's Mother

In 1914, Martha (née Ruszkowski), Martha Stewart's mother, was born. She later became a teacher.

August 3, 1941: Martha Stewart's Birth

On August 3, 1941, Martha Helen Stewart (née Kostyra) was born in Jersey City, New Jersey. She would become a successful American retail business woman, writer, and television personality.

July 1961: Marriage to Andrew Stewart

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

1979: Death of Martha Stewart's Father

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

1987: Separation from Andrew Stewart

In 1987, Martha Stewart and Andrew Stewart separated, marking the beginning of the end of their marriage.

1990: Divorce from Andrew Stewart

In 1990, Martha Stewart and Andrew Stewart officially divorced, finalizing the end of their marriage.

December 27, 2001: Sale of ImClone Systems Stock

On December 27, 2001, according to the SEC, Martha Stewart sold all 3,928 shares of her ImClone Systems stock, avoiding a loss of $45,673. She received material, nonpublic information from her broker at Merrill Lynch.

June 4, 2003: Indictment 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.

January 2004: Trial Begins

In January 2004, Martha Stewart's trial began. Prosecutors showed that Bacanovic had ordered his assistant to tell Stewart that the CEO of ImClone, Samuel D. Waksal, was selling all his shares in advance of an adverse Food and Drug Administration ruling.

March 2004: Conviction on Felony Charges

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

July 2004: Sentencing to Prison

In July 2004, Martha Stewart was sentenced to serve a five-month term in a federal correctional facility and a two-year period of supervised release for felony charges related to conspiracy, obstruction, and making false statements.

2004: Confinement in Federal Prison Camp

In 2004, Martha Stewart was confined in Federal Prison Camp in Alderson, West Virginia, despite her wish to be incarcerated in Connecticut or Florida.

2004: Derivative Suit Dismissal

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

March 2005: Release from Federal 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. This followed her conviction for fraud.