Last Wednesday, my family and I traveled to Chicago (a relatively nameless southwest suburb actually) to pay our respects to my grandmother. Helen Catherine Martin died here in Springfield on Saturday, February 18, 2012 after living a long, productive and by some accounts, difficult life. Widowed in 1972, Grandma Martin raised 7 children on her own ranging from 20 years old to merely 10 (or so). Born and raised in Chicago, she later lived in St. Paul, Minnesota, San Diego, California (where she worked at Sea World at 70), and Leesburg, Virginia before finally settling in Springfield at my parents home.
My parents welcomed my grandmother (my dad's mom) into their home in an effort to provide a place of comfort and care while she battled a litany of health conditions. Through the generosity of my parents, many lives have been affected for the better. Grandma's children were able to have their mother for a couple extra years, her grandchildren were able to accept her wisdom just a bit more (and, in my case, learn a little something extra about their own parents), and her great-grandchildren too were blessed to meet her. Through the care my parents provided, I was given the opportunity get to know my Grandma and was able to spend time with her in ways I would not have otherwise been able.
She loved to watch CNN (Wolf Blitzer) and was very informed and opinionated in regards to American politics (she believed in change!). A deeply religious person, Grandma Martin believed in God and saw the good in all humanity.
Grandma Martin touched the hearts of many. Surviving her are 2 brothers, 7 children, 18 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren (so far). Helen Catherine Martin (Clifford) will be missed deeply. Thank you for being part of our lives. Rest in Peace.
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