Joreen Flora Martin, a lifelong Montesano resident, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family on May 13, 2022. She was 91.
Joreen was born at home in Montesano on Aug. 28, 1930, to Charles and Flora (Davis) Lawson. She attended grade school in Brady and graduated from Montesano High School in 1949.
Joreen met the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Martin, while he was riding his bike to school one day. They were married at the Montesano United Methodist Church on January 19, 1952. They celebrated 70 years of marriage this year.
While in high school Joreen worked at Dean’s Pharmacy (El Rancho location) counting pills. Later she worked at First Bank of Commerce, finishing her career at the Grays Harbor County Treasurer’s office (1973-1991).
In the early years, camping and fishing were fun activities with friends, and family picnics were enjoyed at Schafer State Park. Later, many happy family times were spent at her sister Dorothy’s cabin at Summit Lake.
She always enjoyed reliving and laughing with her sisters about funny stories from their past as well as creating new memories. She had a wonderful sense of humor and is well-known for telling a colorful joke here and there. Joreen enjoyed going to casinos (occasionally winning), maintaining a meticulous garden, clam digging, cooking, baking and preserving food, and going out to dinner with friends and family.
As season ticket holders, she enjoyed going to UW Husky Football games and was very supportive throughout school sports with her children and grandchildren.
Her retirement years included winter motorhome trips with Bob to the desert where she enjoyed Mariners Spring training, golfing and other activities with sister Dorothy and other fellow snowbirds.
Joreen demonstrated unquestionable love for her family and continued to show deep concern for family until the very end.
Joreen is survived by her husband, daughter Susan (Ken) Carlson of Montesano, and sons Keith (Jami) Martin of Benton City and Scott (Tami) Martin of Montesano. She is also survived by grandchildren: Amy (Zach) Jones, Kerri (Chuck) Fairbairn, Cale (Sheena) Carlson, Kim (Zack) Bailey, Sara (Jacob) Caylor, Aaron Martin (Paige Lanhan), Zach Martin, Bryce Martin, Lauren Martin, Chad (Sylvia) Martin, and Cody (Anna) Martin as well as 12 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews who have continued to stay in touch over the years.
Joreen is preceded in death by her parents, brothers Harold and Eldon Lawson and sisters Claudia (Chuck) Rosson, Juanita (Bill) Henderson, Frances Brumfield (Warren “Boob” Brumfield), Winifred (Osmo) Toyra, and Dorothy Miner (Bob Sagen).
Joreen was loved very much by family and friends, and she and her beautiful smile will be deeply missed.
A graveside gathering of family and friends will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 25, 2022, at Wynoochee Cemetery, Montesano, followed by an open house celebration of Joreen’s life at the Martin Barn at 914 N. Blakeley Street, Montesano.
The family suggests memorial donations be made to Hospice of Grays Harbor or the Montesano Volunteer Fire Department.
To share memories or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.harrisonfamilymortuary.com. Arrangements entrusted to Harrison Family Mortuary.
