Dolores Marie Martin

Dolores Marie Martin Born August 22, 1938 Devoted Mother to: Christine and David Urbain Clifford and Laurie Pugh William and Regina Pugh Michael Pugh Grandmother to: Michael and Rachel Turner Dane Wackerly TJ, Ian and Haley Feeley Proceeded in death by: Her parents, Sylvester and Laurena Martin, her bother James Martin and her Sister Kathleen Balch. Survived by her Brothers and Sisters: Barb Young, Marie & Gary Esler, Donald & Margaret Martin, Elizabeth Holzwat, Thomas & Donna Martin, Theresa Kress, Rosemary Martin, and Robert Martin, and 37 nieces and nephews Dee's Life It's apparent when God set about to create Dolores Martin, he used equal measures of strength, perseverance, compassion and faith. The expression goes that God only gives you as much as you can bear; by reviewing Dee's life it's apparent for someone who stood just under 5 feet tall, Dee demonstrated the strength of a Titan. She was the 3rd oldest of 11 siblings and at the early age of 16 she contracted Scarlett Fever. She didn't graduate high school as a normal teen; she finished school from a sick bed. Though not expected to survive Scarlett Fever, she did but with a damaged and weakened heart; a condition she would battle for the rest of her life resulting in 3 heart surgeries. In 1956 she married William Frederick Pugh and started her first career as a mother to Chris, Cliff, Bill and Mike. She earned her Realtors License in Bay City, Michigan and developed a 2nd career as an Agent. In 1976 she became a single mother and shouldered the responsibility of raising her children. She continued her career as a Realtor until she became the Manager for 2 Post Box Mail Services in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She then moved on to become an Entrepreneur and having her dream fulfilled of owning the Coral Sea Gift and Card Shoppe. She began a 3rd career as a volunteer, and became an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 459 Departmental de Michigan and held positions as: Color Guard, Educational President, and District President. She also became a volunteered at the Grand Rapids Home for Retired Veterans. Yet again we saw another career change when she began managing 2 Bridal Boutique Shops. Dee was diagnosed with breast cancer and she faced this battle as she did all her challenges with determination and dignity. Despite her own health issues, she still had the strength and compassion to continue her volunteer work with the Veterans. While finally retiring from her business life, her non-profit volunteer life expanded and flourished when she moved to Florida. Dee moved to Florida where her extended family expanded to include her many neighbors and fellow volunteers at the local American Legion Auxiliary Unit 273, Pinellas Count Departmental de Florida. Her volunteer work there included positions as Americanism & Community Service Chairman, District Committee Chairman and District President. For our Troops stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan, one of her biggest passions was to prepare holiday boxes. Throughout her life, Dee was steadfast and devoted to her Catholic faith. In December Dee developed health issues that magnified and despite her tenacious battle, her body failed her. On Monday, August 20, 2012, she crossed into our Lord's arms with her children at her side. She will be missed by her family, friends, and certainly all our Veterans. In lieu of flowers please donate to your local veterans association.