Dolores Marie Martin

Dolores “Dee” Martin (nèe Sobczynski), beloved teacher, caring wife, and devoted mother, died Friday, December 16, 2022. Preceded in death by her husband John (2021) and brother Gerald (2015), she is survived by her two daughters, Elizabeth Linder, RPh (Darryl) and Dr. Jennifer Martin (Douglas L. Guirl II); brother Ron Sobczynski; and many nieces and nephews.

Dee was born in Detroit, Michigan on July 7, 1935, and graduated early from Port Huron High School. She received her Associate of Arts degree from Port Huron Junior College, before transferring to the University of Michigan for her undergraduate and graduate degrees in education. Dee did not initially have higher education aspirations but a high school teacher believed in her and encouraged her to apply for a scholarship from Coca Cola, which she was ultimately awarded. Dee soon became a teacher herself. She taught elementary school in the Wayne Westland Community School District. Later, she became a learning consultant at various elementary schools where she specialized in diagnostics and interventions for students possessing learning challenges. She was a member of her local teacher’s union, the Wayne Westland Education Association (WWEA), and was a known source for union activism. She is remembered by many for her kindness. One of Dee’s favorite sayings was, “If you can read, you can do anything.” Many who knew her took this edict to heart. Dee retired from education in 1995, but stayed active in her field and engaged with her education friends through the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel (MARSP) and Alpha Delta Kappa (ADK), the international honorary organization for women educators. She diligently served as ADK treasurer for decades. One of Dee’s hobbies was travel. During her life, Dee traveled, with her late husband John, to almost all 50 states. She gained a passion for travel beginning with her stint teaching in Germany with the U.S. Army schools. During the 60s, she traveled to many countries, including: Belgium, Egypt, Greece, Italy, Poland, and Russia. An avid bowler, Dee was a member of the Wayne Westland Teachers League; this brought her much joy. Another hobby was collecting cookbooks, although her collection was mostly used for decoration.

Visitation for Dee will be held Thursday, December 22, 2022 from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm, with a Funeral Service at 7:00 pm, at Harry J. Will Funeral Home, 34567 Michigan Ave., Wayne, MI 48184.

Donations made in lieu of flowers will be used to honor Dee's favorite causes.