Gloria Alice Martin

Gloria Martin of Keizer, Oregon, passed away peacefully at her home overlooking the beautiful Willamette River on May 24, 2026, after a long, painful battle with numerous health issues. Born September 13, 1940, in Salem to Everett and Alice Wood, and later joined by a sister, Donnella Wood (Summers). Growing up at 18th and Court Street in Salem, Oregon, she attended old Washington and Richmond grade schools, then Parrish Middle School and North Salem High School, graduating in 1958. She was the first in her family to attend college, graduating from Lewis & Clark College in 1962. She was a lifelong Oregonian.

The summer before her freshman year of college, she met her future husband, Edgar (Ed) B. Martin, and they were married on December 27, 1961. On the first day she met Ed, he disclosed what he desired in a wife: well-educated, a good cook, and a good back rubber. Gloria knew she excelled at his criteria, so she made him wait patiently for her to say “yes” to marriage!

After graduating from college, she spent most of her career teaching at her alma mater, North Salem High School. Gloria retired from teaching in 2002. She was committed and determined to help students and had a special gift for explaining mathematical concepts, often having late-night study sessions with her children and their friends attending a rival high school, or later, with her grandchildren on the phone. One granddaughter attributed passing a high school math class to Grandma Gloria’s way of explaining. Gloria had a passion for encouraging girls to understand and stay engaged and enrolled in math and science classes. She was determined to instill a love of math in the hearts of girls. Gloria took pride in her active involvement in North Salem's senior projects. Starting in the mid 1960’s and onward, she was active in the American Association of University Women (AAUW), holding many positions, including President of the Salem Branch and Oregon State President, as well as serving on the scholarship program committee at the National level. She took great pride in AAUW's commitment to equity for ALL women and girls.

Gloria and Ed loved traveling together and made many trips to Europe, as well as single trips to Iceland, South America, and Australia, along with many cruises. Her favorite city was Paris, and they took all 7 grandchildren, 3 children, and their daughter-in-law with them to visit the City of Lights. With her passion for Paris, she traveled there 10 times. In total, she traveled to 39 countries and all 50 states and greatly enjoyed learning about the world and its different cultures.

Her greatest pride was her marriage and her family. She hosted many spectacular dinners and gatherings at her home, with enough china to serve over 100 people. She loved holidays and was an avid decorator. Her favorite holiday was Christmas, and every surface was tastefully decorated. Her family always loved coming to her home for celebrations. Gloria loved fishing with her father when she was young, fresh-cut flowers and nature, shopping (especially for bargains and good finds), puzzles, reading, playing cards, needlepointing, baseball, attending sporting events of her children and grandchildren, connecting with friends and family, and keeping tabs on her loved ones. Even in her final weeks of life, she wanted updates and to hear about her family and friends’ lives, turning to others to learn. She had a true gift of connecting with others as a mom, wife, friend, grandma, and teacher! Gloria’s wit, which she often didn’t seem to realize was so sweet, funny, sassy, and entertaining, was something the family always appreciated.

Gloria reflected regularly on the river in her backyard and its powerful connection to her, often referring to how it had helped her throughout her life. Gloria will continue to flow through her family and friends, just like the river.

She is survived by her husband Ed, of 64 years. She is also survived by her children, whom she is so proud of: Katherine Martin, Christopher (Chris) Martin, and Stephanie Russell, as well as her 7 cherished grandchildren: Parker, Everett, Kelsie, Jasmine, Lyndsie, Paige, and Lyla. She is also survived by 2 sons-in-law and 1 daughter-in-law, Daniel (Dan) Russell, Ely Yango, and Brooke Martin, along with sister-in-law, Dorna Bullpitt, and best friend from junior high onward, Judy Wolf.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date at the family home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Association of University Women (AAUW)----- Washington, DC (send to Sheila Ramerman, 927 Throne Dr, Eugene, OR 97402, designating Greatest Needs Fund) or to North Salem Alumni Association (please specify for enhancements to the math department) 765 14th St NE, Salem, OR 97301.