Dolores Idalene Martenson

Dolores was born in Portland, Oregon on November 22, 1926, to George and Thelma Bauer, and lived most of her life in the Portland area. Her favorite memories were of living in Garden Home, Oregon where she attended Garden Home Elementary School. She often spoke of coming home from school and riding her horse “Princess,” even visiting her aunt in Aloha on horseback, and participating in equestrian events at a local riding academy. After briefly attending Tigard High School, her family moved back to Portland where she graduated from Jefferson High School in 1944.

Dolores loved to dance; in fact, it was at a dance that she met a handsome former soldier named Frank Martenson whom she married on March 10, 1950. Two sons followed: Gary in 1954 and Doug in 1957. Dolores worked as a secretary and sold real estate but was mostly a loving mother. She was an excellent cook, clipping recipes from newspapers and saving them in multiple 3-ring binders. Our cupboards were filled with her canned peaches, pears, and tomatoes, and the kitchen was full of the aroma of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. She also sewed many of her own clothes, along with Gary’s band uniform for marching in the Grand Floral Parade.

Dolores and Frank had lifelong friendships, many revolving around dancing. Most weekends found them dancing at the North Portland Eagles lodge or the Norse Hall.

After Frank retired, they bought a motor home and became “snowbirds,” wintering in California and Arizona. When he became disabled after a major stroke in 1996, Dolores became his primary caregiver, taking him the Eagles lodge in his wheelchair so that they could spend time with their friends. After Frank passed away in 2001, Dolores took on new adventures: gardening, working out at a gym, volunteering at the local Senior Center, and even taking computer classes in her 80s. She loved hearing about something on TV and then researching the topic online.

Dolores is survived by her son Gary, her brother Donald Bauer, and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Frank and her son Doug.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff and caregivers at Comfort Keepers, the Palliative Care team at Kaiser Permanente Westside Medical Center, Ivy and John Brannan at Joyful Heart Care Home in McMinnville, Oregon, and the staff at Pinnacle Hospice.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00, Saturday, February 17, 2024, at Young’s Funeral Home, 11831 SW Pacific Highway, Tigard, Oregon. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Oregon Humane Society.