Marian F (Johnson) Martin

Marian Florence Martin passed away on Sunday, September 6, 2020 at Grandvue Medical Care Facility, where she was residing.

Marian was born 95 years ago to John and Victoria Johnson in Spring Lake, MI.  With the loss of both parents at an early age, she and her older sister, Evelyn, relied on each other.  By working hard, and with the help and kindness of family, friends, and their community, they made a good life.  She graduated from Creston High School in Grand Rapids in 1943.  She attended Grand Rapids Junior College and graduated from Blodgett Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in 1946 as a Registered Nurse.  She was a member of the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corp and Red Cross Nurse Corp.

After graduation, she and a close friend, also a nurse, embarked on an adventure by traveling to Hawaii, to work at Queen’s Hospital in Honolulu. 

She married Lawrence Martin, her one true love, in 1949 at the St. Francis rectory in Grand Rapids. They remained in Grand Rapids, raising three daughters, until moving to Boyne City.

Later, she returned to work as a Public Health Nurse for District Health Dept. No. 3 in Charlevoix County.  She considered these years as some of the most rewarding and happiest years of her life.  She served for 17 years, retiring in 1987.

She was a deacon and member of the First Presbyterian Church in Boyne City, member of the Eta Nu Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, and the Blodgett Alumni group.  She worked on several community projects and volunteered on Red Cross projects and for the American Cancer Society.

She and Larry enjoyed travel, entertaining, dancing, playing cards, and visits to their cabin.  She especially enjoyed living in their house by the lake, maintaining her flower garden, and swimming daily when possible.

Marian’s generosity, kindness, her smile, and fun-loving spirit will be missed.

She was preceded in death by husband Larry Martin, parents, brothers George and Arthur Johnson, sisters Virginia Warner and Evelyn Bartel.

She is survived by three daughters – Laura (Dean) Johnson, Nancy Martin (Charles Gann), and Julie (Jim) Wilhelm, grandchildren Joshua (Corinne) Gann, Nicholas Gann, Lauren Gann, Mark Wilhelm, Michael (Anna) Wilhelm, step-granddaughter Heatherlyn Johnson, and many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Grandvue Medical Care Facility for Marian’s care in her later life.

Due to concerns of Covid-19, a small family service is being held.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the First Presbyterian Church of Boyne City, Boyne Area Free Clinic, or to the Grandvue Medical Care Facility.

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