Doris M. Martin

When reflecting on the life of Doris Martin, words such as selfless, compassionate, and gentle come to mind, however, perhaps the word that paints the most vivid picture of this extraordinary woman is nurturer. Whether her husband and children, extended family members, or the patients in her care she was always on duty and lived to serve them in any way she could. Doris was a devoted mother if ever there was one, but she just may have argued that becoming a grandmother was her sweetest reward. A woman who was truly beautiful on the inside and out, she exemplified what it means to live a life of purpose deeply rooted in the faith she held dear. Although she will be deeply missed, the timeless wisdom and priceless life lessons Doris leaves behind will never be forgotten. Life in America during the early 1900s was very different from the life we know and love today. Automobiles were around, but they were a luxury for the wealthy as the assembly line had not been fully implemented yet. Unsafe working conditions were commonplace, and since the nations youth were more often found in the workplace than they were in the classroom they often paid the highest price. It was during this eventful time that a young couple from Detroit, Michigan, was delighted with the birth of their baby girl on January 29, 1916. Doris Marjorie was the middle of three girls born to her parents, Paul and Adelade Moody-Ward. Her father, who was born in Reading, England, left England when he was 17 to settle in Detroit by way of Canada. Doris father retired from Miesels as The Dean of Institutional Food Salesmen. Her mother was a busy homemaker who focused her attention on caring for the needs of her family including Doris and her older sister, Phyllis, and her younger sister, Audrey. She and her sisters were five years apart, and Doris often helped look after her younger sister. In many ways Doris experienced an upbringing that was reflective of her generation. She loved things like tennis, swimming, and art. It was also as a young girl that Doris discovered her nurturing spirit as she loved playing nurse with her dolls. She knew at that point that she wanted to become a nurse one day. Doris attended St. Matthew Episcopal Church and was confirmed in 1931. She was a student at local schools including Northwestern High School in Detroit, graduating in 1934. From there Doris went on to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse, attending college during a time when it was rare for young people, especially women, to do so. She graduated as a registered nurse from Grace Hospital School of Nursing in 1937, specializing in operating room assistance and care. Not to be forgotten during Doris years as a young woman was her introduction to the young man who would forever hold the key to her heart. His name was Orville Martin, and they met while ice skating in 1930 when Doris was just a young 14 and he was 19. Although he was there with another girl, Orville was smitten with Doris from the moment he laid eyes on her. For Valentines Day that year he gave her a small heart with a dog in a pot of jam that read, When I get out of this jam, will you be my Valentine? A dating relationship ensued, and with a desire to establish a life together Doris and Orville were married in 1941. Together they welcomed two children into their hearts and home, Marjorie Doris in 1947 and Paul Raymond in 1949. Doris and Orville raised their children in the family home in Rosedale Park on the Northwest side of Detroit. Sundays were reserved as family days and began by going to church, eating a nice meal, and then things like taking a ride through the countryside, visiting the cider mill, and visiting relatives. Although caring for her family was what she loved doing most, Doris kept busy in other ways as well. She treasured the friendship of her longtime friend, Emily Shannon, who had been a neighbor during her younger years. Emily, who is still alive at the young age of 100, was able to talk with Doris this past September, recalling fond memories of times gone by. She and Orville loved traveling and took numerous memorable vacations beginning with their honeymoon in Mexico in addition to a trip to Europe as well as to Hawaii in celebration of their 40th wedding anniversary. Doris was involved in several organizations including Bushnell Women and Child Study Group, and she also served as president and held other positions in the Grace Hospital Nurses Association including as a recruiter of new nurses. She additionally served as a civil defense volunteer. Doris had a special place in her heart for animals including their dog, Lucky, when her children were at home and her most recent pet, her cat named Meagan that was at her side when she drew her last breath. In addition to traveling, Doris enjoyed spending her retirement years gardening. Of course when grandchildren arrived spending time with them including shopping and going out to eat with Audrey was a favorite activity. She and Orville visited Paul and Margie whenever they could. Being a grandmother was a role that Doris cherished from the time her first grandchild, Paul Martin Jr., or Marty, was born. They loved spending time together whether they were doing something or just talking either in person or on the phone. Doris taught Marty numerous valuable lessons such as how to cook and properly measure ingredients to bake cookies from scratch. It was clear to see that Doris was his rock while Marty was her purpose. All who knew Doris Martin would agree that she was a captivating woman with the most beautiful blue eyes, but it was her inner beauty that truly made her shine. She took care of every family member and neighbor, often putting on her nurse uniform and taking a hospital shift as their private nurse to ensure that they received the best care possible. In many ways, Doris was the Florence Nightingale among her family and friends and was never off duty if she was needed. Her love, her spirit of generosity, and her gracious heart will never be forgotten. Doris will be deeply missed and forever treasured by all who were blessed to feel her touch. Doris Martin died on February 12, 2014. Doris family includes her children, Paul (Shelia) Martin and Marjorie (Tony) Colson; four grandchildren, Paul Martin Jr. (Marty), Amy Stanton, Eric Stanton and Chad Martin; and five great-grandchildren, Logan, Lucas, Ella, Amelia and Lauren. She was preceded in death by her husband Orville in 1987. The Funeral Service will be Saturday 12 Noon at A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Home, 2600 Crooks Road (Between Maple & Big Beaver), 248-362-2500 with Rev. Rick Hogan officiating. The family will receive friends 10 a.m. until time of service. Memorial tributes may be made to: Hospice of Indiana, 4701 N. Keystone Ave., #434, Indianapolis, IN 46205. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory or sign the online guestbook.