Shirley Ann Martin

Shirley Ann Martin, 91, passed away on October 3, 2026, in Mount Vernon, Washington. She was born on April 23, 1935, in Kankakee, Illinois, and lived a long life marked by devotion to family, steady work, creativity, and a warm enjoyment of the people and places around her.

She graduated from St. Joseph all-girls Catholic school in 1953, a milestone that marked the beginning of a life that would carry her to many corners of the country. Over the years, Shirley made her home in Joliet, Illinois; New Orleans, Louisiana; Merritt Island, Florida; Ogden, Utah; and Seattle, Washington. In her younger years, she loved to travel, and that spirit of movement and discovery remained part of the story of her life.

Shirley worked as a housekeeper for an assisted living facility, serving with the quiet dignity and dependability that so often define a life of real care. Beyond her work, she found joy in the simple and beautiful things that make a house a home and a gathering feel special. She loved arts and crafts, took delight in decorating for the holidays, enjoyed playing cards, and found pleasure in gardening. She was also heavily involved in the Elks Organization, where her presence and participation formed another meaningful part of her life in community.

Her life was also shaped by the care of family from an early age, having been raised by her sister Betty and Betty’s husband, Paul Suprenant. That foundation of family devotion echoed throughout the years and remained central to all she held dear.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene “Gene” Martin, and by her parents, Robert and Lucille Cartier.

She is survived by her son, Mike Martin, and Mike’s wife, Diane Martin; and by her daughter, Kathy Julian, and Kathy’s husband, Tim Julian. She also leaves behind a cherished circle of grandchildren and great-grandchildren whose lives carry forward her memory: Anthony Martin; Ashley and Korey Kolrud and their children Gunner, Hunter and Summer. Alyssa Julian and her son Brody. Rachel and Jeff Renslo, and their daughter Ella. In each generation, her family was a lasting source of pride, love, and connection.

Shirley will be remembered for her creative spirit, her enjoyment of celebration, her love of family, and the many ways she made life brighter for those around her. Her memory will remain a blessing to all who knew and loved her.