Joan E. Martin

Joan E. Martin, 84 of Portage. Passed away Tuesday, March 12, 2013 in Kalamazoo. Joan was born December 2, 1928 in Cleveland, OH the daughter of Frank and Kathleen (McGinty) Ward. She retired from The Upjohn Company and was a lifelong member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church. On October 8, 1949 in Kalamazoo she was united in marriage to Billy R. Martin who preceded her in death on May 13, 2004. Joan and Billy were married for 55 years and enjoyed their cabin and later the cottage they turned into a summer home in Baldwin, MI. Joan maintained many lifetime friendships and was a member of the same "card club" group for over 50 years. Joan was an avid sports fan and closely followed the Detroit Tigers and Notre Dame football. She also loved to exercise and could be seen briskly walking her daily 4 mile trek through Celery Flats trails. Surviving are 2 sons, William R. (Lorrie) Martin of Richland; Joseph (Lynn) Martin of Paw Paw; daughter, Nancy (Jef) Ballard of Portage; brother, Dennis Ward; sister, Kathleen Ward; 5 grandchildren, Amy, Michael, Kerrie, Kelly & Tracey; 2 great-granddaughters, Saoirse and Tallulah. She was preceded in death by a son, Steven Samuel Martin; 3 brothers, Daniel, Patrick and Frank Ward. She was a kind, selfless woman who was loved by anyone who had the privilege to know her. Friends and family will be received Sunday 4-7 pm at Redmond Funeral Home, 4100 S. Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, (269) 343-6156. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Monday at 11 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Kalamazoo, with Msgr. Michael Hazard, Celebrant. Interment will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church or St. Vincent DePaul Society. www.redmondfuneralhomes.net