Anna Marie Martell

Ann Martell was born May 13, 1911, in New Orleans into the Irish Catholic family of her parents, John and Bernadette Corr. A registered nurse, Ann graduated with honors from a four-year nursing program, in the depth of the Depression.

She accepted a nursing job in Muskogee, Okla., where 66 years ago she met and married Carroll Martell, a young architect. The couple followed Carroll’s career to New Mexico, Washington, D.C., Chicago and finally to Spokane where they moved with three young children after World War II. There they lived and worked for more than 50 years, and reared a family of six children.

Ann especially loved summers at their family-built cabin on the east shore of Priest Lake in Idaho. There she swam, fished with her husband, gathered mushrooms, cooked and cared for her family. Her ingenuity and nursing skills were called upon often by family and neighbors.

What a gal! Ann served as a nurse at Sacred Heart Hospital, baked bread once a week, sang to her babies, read to her children and volunteered for Meals on Wheels and countless hours to school and church functions. She dressed with great style, loved music and was a terrific dancer.

The southern sass and wit Ann brought with her to the Northwest complemented a long list of skills. She could identify hundreds of wild mushrooms, catch and clean fish, patch-up kids, and play a spirited game of poker and bridge. She and her husband, Carroll, were vital members of a vibrant network of lifelong friends.

An optimist with a lovely smile, Ann faced the joys and tragedies of her long life with courage and a firm faith in God and a love of life. Ann was a wonderful woman, mother and wife whose great, good heart was finally stilled Sept. 30, 2002.

Ann Martell was preceded in death by her son, Lawrence Martell. She is survived by her husband Carroll, now of Coupeville; her daughters, Maxine and husband, James Burns of Coupeville, Marie and husband, Richard Seymour of Seattle, and Bernadette of Elma; and her sons, John Martell of Seattle, Carroll Martell and wife, Patricia of Renton. She is also survived by five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Mass will be said at Sacred Heart Church in Spokane, Oct. 5, at 1 p.m. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Memorials may be given to Sacred Heart Parish. Local arrangements under direction of Burley Funeral Home.