Mary J. Martin, 84

Mary J. Martin, 84, passed away peacefully Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017, at the Life Care Center of Coeur d’Alene.

Mary was born to George and Mary Jackson (Pyfer) on Dec. 27, 1932, in Whitehall, Mont. She was the second oldest of seven siblings all of whom were raised in Whitehall.

Mary graduated high school in 1950 with her classmate and future life partner, Carl Martin. Following high school, Mary and Carl planned their future together while he completed college at Montana State University and she obtained a teaching degree at Western Montana State College in Dillon, later teaching in Livingston, Mont.

Upon his graduation in 1954, they married in Whitehall and embarked on a series of adventures as they followed his training assignments across the country with the General Electric Company, finally settling in Palo Alto, Calif., at Stanford University. However their fondness for the mountains and home eventually called them back to Montana and family while he taught at the University in Bozeman. In 1964, they relocated to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, with the Pendar Company, later retiring from Idaho Forest Industries.

Mary dedicated her life to raising their children and making her home a welcoming place for family and their many friends. She was a dedicated and supportive partner in her growing family’s unending list of indoor and outdoor projects and adventures. She had boundless energy and enthusiasm for life and stayed continuously involved in fraternal, church, school, neighborhood and community programs. Mary especially treasured time spent at the family campground on the Coeur d’Alene River where she would spread her welcoming and grace to all who showed up.

Mary is survived by her husband Carl, daughter Carla, sons Christopher and Clayton, three brothers, a sister, five grandchildren two great grandchildren and a numerous nieces and nephews.

Mary is missed and remembered for her beautiful smile, welcoming greetings, gentleness and generosity. Carl has lost his girlfriend, sweetheart, wife, life partner and best friend.

Special thanks to the Life Care Center of Coeur d’Alene and staff who provided such loving care of Mary for the past months.

There will be no funeral or memorial service at her preference. A celebration of her life will be scheduled for family and friends later this summer.

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Mary’s memorial and sign her online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.