Diana Carol Martin

Our dear Mother Diana Martin completed her time here on Earth December 15, 2022. She left us peacefully at her home surrounded by her loved ones, at the age of 87. Mom was born is Chicago Illinois, but her parents Victoria and Samuel Spilk decided early, in mom’s life, they would head west where they eventually settled in Seattle WA.

Diana graduated from Forest Ridge High School in 1954; followed by attending the University of Washington, majoring in the arts. She married Ernie S Taylor- their children Vicki, Laura, and Ernie were all born in Seattle WA. Although their marriage wasn’t meant to be, they managed to co-parent beautifully, and always remained connected, raising their family together with love.

Our beloved mother (an only child) worked with her mother as an antique appraiser and estate liquidator for over sixty years in their business, known as Pickwick House Antiques. After her mother’s passing, she continued the business and was passionate about the people she served and those she mentored. We kids helped her with the estate sales over the years, and often reminisce with her about the fun adventures we had. Mom continued happily working, even during her recent chemo and radiation treatments for lung cancer.

Mom also added a real estate license and contractor’s license to her repertoire in the early ‘80’s, when she became one of the first women to buy, renovate, and “flip” houses in the Bellevue and Mercer Island area, with great success. This no doubt came from her father Samuel Spilk’s influence, he had a real estate office (Select Homes) in the Wedgwood area in the 50’s and 60’s.

Mom loved her family deeply and was a woman of faith. She had a great sense of humor and had a real soft spot for animals. We always had pets as part of our family ranging from horses, dogs, and cats; they would often be strays. She will be dearly missed and will remain in our hearts forever. Until we meet again mom.

She is survived by her three children: Vicki (Eric) Napoleone, Laura (Frits) Praat and Ernie (Paula) Taylor Jr. and six grandchildren. Jesse (Maria) Look-Taylor, Daniella (Trip) Edwards, Nichole Taylor, Jessica Taylor, James Mail, Olivia Jensen. Followed by her five great grandchildren: Lauren Taylor, Mason Taylor, Avalynn Rafferty, Estella Rafferty, Lila Edwards, Oliver Edwards.