Loretta Mae Martin

Loretta Mae Martin, age 93, of Battle Creek passed away on January 24, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on September 18, 1931, in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of John and Winifred (Towle) Garner. Loretta made her home in Battle Creek for the past twenty years. She was a graduate of St. Catherine High School, then continued her education at Western Michigan and Oakland Universities. She previously worked as a social worker in Detroit, teacher with the Catholic Schools, and for Senior Home Support Services until her retirement at the age of eighty-six. Loretta was devoted to her faith as a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. She honored the Virgin Mary, Archbishop Fulton Sheen, and Mother Angelica. Spirituality and a sense of connection to others was particularly important to Loretta. She embraced all religions that promoted tolerance, non-violence, and love. She and her sister Susan journeyed to honor the Dalai Lama in Chicago, IL and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Montgomery, AL, signing her name on the Wall of Tolerance. Loretta lived life to the fullest and made most outings and events special for her children and grandchildren. She never shied away from a new adventure whether it was sitting in a dunk tank or roller skating at the age of eighty or parasailing Grand Traverse Bay at the age of ninety. She was a lifelong learner, published author, avid reader, and world traveler. Most importantly, Loretta loved spending time and making memories with her large family. She married Robert “Bob” Martin, the father of her ten children, he preceded her in death. She later married Gordon French, he preceded her in death as well as her parents, brother, William Garner, sisters, Millicent Fouchey, Sandra Ayotte, and daughter-in-law, Nancy Martin. Loretta is survived by her children; Dennis “Biff” (Tina) Martin of Lapeer, MI, Robert “Barry” (Ericka) Martin of Philadelphia, PA, Marti (Joseph) Seaman of Lapeer, MI, Sean (Nancy) Martin of Fort Gratiot, MI, Shannon (Craig) Groscurth of Wolverine Lake, MI, Padraic (Alice) Martin of Cuttingsville, VT, Tiernan (Vicki) Martin of Shrewsbury, VT, Bronwyn (William) DeBree of Battle Creek, MI, Heather Pasche of Battle Creek, MI, Cullin (Jackie) Martin of Williamston, MI, 32 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, beloved sister, Susan Garner, and many nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 22, 2025, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home & Cremation Services followed by the Recitation of The Rosary, and the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. Private inurnment will take place at Mount Avon Cemetery in Rochester, Michigan. Memorial contributions in Loretta’s memory may be made to St. John’s Hospice, 1221 Race St., Philadelphia, PA 19107. Memories and condolences may be left for the family at www.henryfuneralhome.org