On May 3rd, 2023, just after sunrise, Martha Mary Palmer Nelson left her earthly home to enjoy life everlasting.

Born in Mount Vernon on July 20th, 1925, to Benjamin M. Palmer and Martha Day Meyers, mom was the only child of the couple until her little "bruddy" Benny came along 10 years and 5 days later. Mom was known to her family as Mary or Martha depending on who was talking about her.

Raised a child of depression, she moved many times during her young life as her father sought work. Sedro-Woolley, Mount Vernon, and Big Lake were her homes until the family settled in Anacortes around 1935. Many valuable lessons were learned during this era, such as making do with what you have, not overspending, no indulgence, hard work, helping one another, living simple lifestyles.

These lessons prepared Mary for the 97 years of life she was to live, and she passed them on to her own family.

Mom graduated from Anacortes high school in 1944. After graduation, she worked, for a time, as a courier between government buildings in downtown Seattle.

At some point in the 40's Mary met and married Harold Gunderman. The couple moved to Michigan for employment. After a few years there and the heartbreaking loss of their stillborn baby, Marilyn Anne, the couple returned to Seattle. This marriage failed and Mary found work as a counter clerk for Cresses dime store.

Mom had a desire to visit Hawaii. Being the frugal gal she was, she saved her quarters in a piggy bank. Having finally earned enough for the trip, she booked a package, toured 5 islands, and enjoyed this vacation of a lifetime. She came home with a good tan and several Hawaiian style dresses that graced her closet for years as a reminder of this trip.

By this time her parents and younger brother had moved and bought the Big Lake grocery store. The family ran the store for a few years until Mary's mother became seriously ill and passed away in 1954. Mom was asked to move home and help run the store and we are thankful she did because....

In the summer of 1957, Mary reluctantly (after working all day at the store) joined her younger friend Dixie for a night out at the Seven Cedars dance hall. This turned out to be providence as she met the tall, redheaded farmer that would become her husband the following year.

Mom and Dad, KC (Kenny) Nelson started their married life on the small family farm in Cedardale and raised, as they came along, their two daughters, Marcia Lee, and Lorraine Day.

Life on the farm was challenging but nothing compared to the devastating diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis of our father in 1968. Martha (Dad always called her Martha) became Dad's caregiver for the rest of his life. She was stoic and in charge of all that was required to run a household, manage two girls and care for Dad. She did this with as much grace as she could muster.

Even though money was tight, there was always a meal on the table (and she was a lousy cook), and clean clothes on our backs.

After the grandkids started coming, we saw Mom's heart become softer and she shared lots of love and hugs with them. After Dad passed in 2000, Mom stayed on in their home in Sedro- Woolley until 2015 when it was apparent she could no longer safely live alone .

She moved to Country Meadow Village and enjoyed a few years there. As her health declined Mom moved to other care facilities then to her final home at Birchview Memory Care in April 2022. Martha flourished there until a noticeable decline a few weeks ago. Grandkids and great grandkids came for visits and pictures with Grandma. Martha met her youngest grandson for the first time Saturday, April 29th. She thoroughly enjoyed that visit and I believe that she felt her life was now complete and she was ready for a new adventure.

Martha was a member of Salem Lutheran church in Mount Vernon. She had a quiet but solid faith in her Lord.

Mom was also ready to help her community. If there was a need to assist a family displaced from their home, Mom would donate sheets and towels to the local Red Cross program.

There is always so much more to a person's story, and this is just a small accounting of Martha Mary. I wish we could share all of her with you, she was the solid anchor of our family.

Mary is survived by her daughter Marcia Pratt (Randy), daughter Lorraine Nelson, grandchildren Lindsay Middaugh (Rich), Adriane Stevens (Richard), Brandon Howard (Krystle). Great grandchildren Grayson, Cecily, Riley, Cameron, Olivia and Emery. Her brother, Ben Palmer of Ft. Worth, Tx. Stepbrother David Wilson (Jean). Also, her former son-in-law William Howard (Audrey King), Several step grandchildren and many step great-grandchildren.

Mary has family in the Big Lake community, and beyond. And she loved all them very much. The family is very grateful and wishes to thank the staff at Country Meadow Village, Prestige Care and especially Birchview Memory Care for making the last 8 years of Mom's life comfortable.

A gathering to remember Martha Mary is being planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Hospice of the Northwest, Salem Lutheran Church Samaritan fund, or the Big Lake Historical Society.

Please visit www.hawthornefh.com to share your thoughts and memories and sign the online guest register.

Arrangements are under the care of Hawthorne Funeral Home, Mount Vernon, WA.