Margaret Martinez

1926-2012

Margaret Weber Martinez, beloved wife, mother and Oma, committed herself into God's gentle care, secure in His love for her and trusting in her salvation through her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She leaves those who survive her comforted knowing that she has now joined her Lord in eternal glory.

Margaret passed away Monday, March 26, 2012. She was born on July 21, 1926, to Friedrich and Therese Weber in Frankfurt, Germany. Margaret was born prematurely, weighing just over two pounds. Her survival earned her the title of "The Miracle Baby of Frankfurt."

Margaret took those words to heart and lived a productive and happy life despite serious health issues, including blindness and growing up in Nazi Germany during World War II.

She earned a teaching degree, and shortly after the war's end she met the love of her life -- a dashing young American soldier, Paul R. Martinez. They became the first German/American couple to wed after the war's end. They were married on Feb. 23, 1947, and recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.

Their love story has been an inspiration not only to their family but to many people through books and news features. Their first child, Frederick (Fred), was born in Frankfurt. They returned to the United States in 1948, first to Ft. Sill, Okla, then to Salt Lake City, Utah, where their daughter, Therese (Therry), was born in 1950. In 1959, they moved to Mountain Home, Idaho, where they were fixtures of the community, both professionally and socially.

Margaret's love of children inspired her to start Happy Day Kindergarten and Nursery School in Mountain Home. She was a well-loved and respected educator, teaching into the second generation of students. Her Christmas and Spring pageants were anticipated community events.

After her retirement from teaching in 1987, Margaret realized her dream of becoming a writer. She authored two successful cookbooks geared toward persons with low vision. She also penned her autobiography. All three volumes were popular with low vision support groups across the country.

Margaret also started a low vision support group in Mountain Home geared toward low vision senior citizens. She was affiliated with Beta Sigma Phi sorority, serving in many offices, including president and Valentine Queen.

Margaret joyfully served her Lord at Faith Lutheran Church in many areas, including teaching Sunday School, LWML and choir. She lived her Christian values daily by loving and serving those with whom she came in contact.

Margaret was a devoted and loving wife and mother. Her energy was boundless, in spite of her health issues. She always brought joy and humor to her family and friends. We celebrate her life and rejoice with her that she is now reunited with family and friends and will welcome us with her beautiful smile and open arms.

Margaret was preceded to heaven by her parents, brother Fritz and sister Lilo Goeppert.

She is survived by her husband Paul, son Fred (Marilyn) Martinez, daughter Therry (Leslie) Mayes, four grandchildren, David Mayes, LeslieAnne (Christopher) Mayes Gresh, Michael (Heather) Martinez, Matthew (Ashley) Martinez and great-granddaughter, Brooklyn Martinez, all who reside in the Salt Lake Valley, Utah; and sister Sophie of Frankfurt, Germany, She is also survived by her beloved four-footed companion, Samson.

The family gratefully acknowledges the love and care given to Margaret over the last two and half years by the wonderful staff at Sunrise of Sandy Assisted Living. You will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

Interment services were held on Wednesday, March 28, 2012, at Larkin Sunset Gardens in Sandy, Utah. Memorial services were held on Friday, March 30, 2012, at Faith Lutheran Church in Mountain Home, Idaho.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Guide Dogs of the Desert, P.O. Box 1692, Palm Springs, CA 92263 or Lutheran World Relief, P.O. Box 17061, Baltimore, MD 21297.