Helen M. Martin

Helen Martin was born May 20, 1928 to Isobel and Walter Blevins. Helen spent her early years in John Day and Fossil, Oregon. She attended school in The Dalles and later graduated from high school at St. Helens Hall in Portland with her best friend, Hobby Graham. Helen attended Willamette University in Salem Oregon, where she was a member of the Chi Omega sorority. Many of her sorority sisters became lifelong friends. Helen met her future husband, John Edward Martin, while attending Willamette. They were married in 1948 and had five children. John and Helen devoted their time to raising their kids and also enjoyed traveling together. Helen took a very energetic role in her children’s activities and was always involved in their classrooms, church, scouting and sports activities. Helen was very active in Cedar Hills Garden Club, Village Gallery of Arts, the Presbyterian Church and numerous volunteer organizations. After the death of her husband, John, Helen took a job at ESI and found fulfillment in her many accomplishments and good friendships there. Helen was a talented artist, gardener, avid traveler and loved hosting elaborate holiday gatherings. She left so many fond memories of her travels with her children and grandchildren including trips all over Europe, Mexico, Canada, and the United States. Helen approached everything in her life with curiosity; she was a lifelong learner and was always enrolled in some type of class in addition to being very well-read. She maintained a gorgeous yard and home and took great joy in spending time with her grandchildren. Helen’s family would like to thank many of the wonderful caregivers who gave so much of their time and hearts to Helen. She developed a deep bond with many of these special ladies. Helen was predeceased by her husband, John Martin and is survived by her sons, John Martin and Jeff Martin; her daughters, Jacquie Martin, Jill Davenport and Jennifer Martin; her grandsons, Chris Martin, Tim Martin, Justin Moberg, Jamison Hanson and Jasper Hanson; her granddaughter, Lindsay Le; her great-grandson, Calvin Le; and her great-granddaughter, Ramona Le.