Dolores Watson Martin

Dolores and Larry, her husband of 68 years, moved to San Antonio in 1957 in order to serve our Country abroad in the Air Force. Dolores worked at Southwest Research while Larry was in Japan, and then earned his college degree at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio. After having their children, John and Susannah, Dolores taught music at Eisenhauer Baptist School which brought her and her students much joy. She played the piano beautifully and could play just about anything, inviting all of us to sing along with her. She loved art and was a docent at the McNay Art Museum; her favorite part was taking school children to visit the museum on tours, teaching them to appreciate art. She loved their questions and observations and learned from them, too.

Dolores was a beautiful seamstress and sewed many beautiful dresses for both herself and Susannah. Later, she took great pleasure in sewing for her granddaughters, photographing them in their matching outfits. She was always her happiest while in the company of her grandchildren; she taught them many things and was always available to answer their questions or to listen to what was going on in each of their lives. Her greatest role was being a grandmother and was affectionately known as “grandma”.

Dolores loved to cook and entertained beautifully. She and her “cooking group of friends” traveled the world to cooking schools led by noteworthy chefs, and when she returned, loved to show-off the delicious recipes with newly learned techniques and skills. They were always lovely meals set out on a beautiful table, and it was fun to see her delight in our rave reviews. She also was a loyal caretaker to neighbors and those older friends who were no longer able to provide for themselves. She took them gourmet meals every single day. Sewing and especially cooking were her love language, and we were all lucky to have received her care and attention in providing for us through her many talents.

When her children started playing tennis, she decided she wanted to learn to play, too. And she did! One of her proudest personal achievements was winning the Ladies’ Club Championship at the San Antonio Country Club. Once she hung up her tennis racket, she took up golf. She loved the outdoors and golf brought her together with friends while enjoying the fresh air and natural beauty. She enjoyed recalling some of her comical memories on the golf course, and there were many.

Family meant everything to Dolores. As a grandmother, she spent quality time with each grandchild, building special bonds that lasted her whole life. She especially enjoyed sharing with them her love of books, art, cooking, sewing and current events. She listened to their stories about school and friends; she was involved in every aspect of their lives. She taught us how to see all sides of situations and to keep an open mind. She lived what she taught, and we learned so much from her wisdom.

Dolores is survived by her husband; Lawrence Martin; her children John, Susannah and her husband, Steve; sister, Monty Sheridan of Missouri, grandchildren; Annie McAllister and her fiancé Patrick Dwarica, Sallie McAllister Christie and her husband, John, Samuel McAllister and his wife, Kelly and Kimberly Martin; great-grandchildren, Aubrey Mae Rutledge and John Raymond Christie III (“J.R.”).

Dolores felt close to her church friends, neighbors, cooking group, golf friends and her children and grandchildren. She loved animals and cared for all of her dogs with upmost care, and leaves behind Sita, one of her biggest treasures.

Special thanks to Rose Rouse, Lisa Villanueva and Betsy Medina who took care of her in every way with love and a good dose of humor. They brought joy to her during her last years and made life so much easier for her when her physical abilities declined.

A celebration of Dolores’ life will be at 2:00 PM on May 27, 2021 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 11 St. Luke’s Lane, San Antonio TX 78209. The Reverend Irv Cutter, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations to be given in Dolores’ name to The San Antonio Humane Society, 4804 Fredericksburg Rd. San Antonio, Texas 78229.