Mildred Martin's Obituary
Tacoma - Mildred “Millie” Ann Brodland Martin, a long-time resident of Tacoma, died peacefully on Tuesday, January 5, 2016 at 2:15 AM, in the home she and her husband, Dean, built 55 years ago. She was 92 years young, or eternally 29 years old as Millie preferred to tell you.
Born May 5, 1923 in Seattle, as a child, Millie moved eight times before graduating from Lincoln High School in Tacoma. She attended Pacific Lutheran College where she served as Senior Class President, was May Queen and met the love of her life, Dean, before receiving her Bachelors of Education. She was destined to be a champion for children. She taught elementary school for 20+ years, primarily sixth grade for the Tacoma Public Schools after teaching her first year in Fife. She served the children in the two churches she and Dean attended, Faith Temple and Tacoma Alliance Church, teaching Sunday School,writing and directing Christmas plays and serving as Sunday School Superintendent. Committed to missions, Millie’s influence extended overseas as well by raising funds for the Batu Bible School in Beji, Indonesia. She requested memorial gifts be made to Indonesia Calls, 918 NW 57th, Seattle, WA 98107.
Millie loved her family. Married to Dean for nearly 71 years, they raised two sons, Larry and Rich. Besides being a good friend, she was a second mother to her daughter-in-law’s, Christine (Olsen) Martin and Lynn Martin Howden, and close family friend, Teresa Hegarty Corpuz. She was an exemplary grandmother to her four grandchildren, Justin (wife Beth), Andrew (wife Megan), Scott (wife Jennifer) and Rachel (husband Brendon), honorary grandson, Sean Hegarty, and six great grandchildren, Naomi, Carson, Benjamin, Jameson, Penelope and John Dean. Her nicknames have changed over the years from Biddy, to Millie to Nana, but she always said her favorite name was Nana, given to her by first-born Grandson, Justin. Extended family always surrounded Millie. Her grandparents, in-laws, her brother Bob Brodland, Bob’s family, and her son’s families. Many church, college & teaching friends also became family to her and stayed in touch with her throughout her life.
Millie was known for many things including her great sense of humor, bargain hunting expertise, ability to entertain others and orchestrate celebrations. She felt she had a prayer ministry which she steadfastly pursued especially in her later years. She has been described by those who knew her as being friendly and caring, nice, sweet and fun, God-loving, special, a positive personality, quick witted and pretty, a problem solver, a compassionate supporter and giver, a professional, someone highly admired and respected, everyone’s favorite aunt/grandmother/teacher/friend, a consummate hostess, a moonbeam.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Dean Martin (7-22-1922 to 8-8-2015). Her son, Rich “Re” Martin, (4-30-1950 to 2-2-2006). She is survived by her eldest son Larry; brother Bob; first cousins Roland Upton, Rosealea (Upton)Thiers, and Kitty (Upton) McGee; niece, Karen (Brodland) Dawson, and husband, Steve; nephew, Sam Brodland, and his wife, Donna; daughters-in-law, grand & Great grandchildren; and many other nieces and nephews. The immediate family is immensely grateful for the love and support of the entire extended family, close friends, the caregivers from Lutheran Family Services and Franciscan Palliative and Hospice care these past few years.
Millie will be interred at Mountain View Memorial Park in Lakewood in a private service on Saturday, January 16, 2016. A public service celebrating Millie's life will be held at the Tacoma Alliance Church on Saturday, January 16, 2016 at 2:00 PM.
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