Irene Matilda "Jane" Martin

Irene Matilda Jane Martin, known throughout her life as Jane, passed away September 3rd, 2026, in Salem, Oregon, at age 75. Born January 8th, 1951, in Asheville, North Carolina. She spent her early childhood in Murphy before moving at age 11 to Mapleton, Oregon. In Mapleton, she lived with her aunt and uncle, Joy and Kermit Anderson, who became “Mom and Dad” to Jane. In 1969, she graduated from Mapleton High School and attended Linfield College, studying English. In 1970, Jane married Larry Martin, beginning a marriage of more than 56 years.Together, they raised four children: Kelly, Larry Jr., David and Karissa, and built a life centered on faith and family. Nothing made Jane happier than seeing one of her children or grandchildren walking through her front door.

A Creative Flair for Life

Jane devoted many years to raising her four children before pursuing her natural gift for interior design. She eventually became the co-owner of Savvy Interiors in Salem, fulfilling a passion for sharing her creativity with others. Jane had an instinctive ability to create beautiful spaces that reflected the people who lived in them. Her own home, and park-like yard, were perhaps her greatest canvas - comfortable, stylish and constantly evolving, much to the amusement of her family. Jane also loved beautiful things and memorable experiences, from gardening, reading, and knitting to good food, wine, and travel. A gourmet cook who rarely wrote down a recipe, she could recreate any meal she encountered and loved to bake and cook for her family and friends. She proudly shared her Southern heritage by cooking chicken and waffles, fried okra, and grits for her sometimes less than enthusiastic children.

Jane loved traveling and held fond memories of adventures in France and Italy, sunny days on Hawaiian vacations, and extended time at the family beach house in Lincoln City. Closer to home, she enjoyed trips to Portland to shop, antique and discover new eateries, embracing her inner “foodie.” She also cherished her quieter moments. An avid reader and lover of Maine Coon cats, she was often happiest curled up with a good book and a glass of wine with her beloved cat nearby. It was a simple pleasure that reflected another side of Jane - content at home, surrounded by the things she loved.

The Things We Will Remember

More than anything, Jane loved bringing her family together. As the matriarch of her family, she created traditions and memories that became a treasured part of her legacy. Christmas was her favorite holiday, when her beautifully decorated home was transformed into something from the pages of a magazine. Her grandchildren will remember magical Christmas celebrations at Nana’s, and Fourth of July fireworks with s’mores on the deck. Jane was creative, caring and famously opinionated. She was an expert at finding a bargain and had a subtle way (and sometimes not so subtle) way of letting you know when she disapproved of something. Jane was also known for her Jane-isms, frequently rearranging familiar expressions such as “point in case,” regularly entertaining her children, who unfortunately found themselves repeating them. These are the little things that her family will remember with a smile.

Above all, Jane taught her children the importance of faith and family. Her greatest legacy: four children, nine grandchildren, will carry with them cherished memories of the traditions she created, her creative flair for life, and most of all, her deep love for her family. Jane is survived by her husband, Larry; their four children, Kelly Martin, Larry Martin Jr., David Martin and Karissa Gantt; and nine grandchildren, Paige, Eric, Ainsley, Brent, Elizabeth, Luke, Isaiah, Isaac and Caleb. She is also survived by her sister Kathleen Brady, and brother, Mike Anderson. A private family gathering will be held Saturday, September 26th.