On behalf of our family, we're grateful you've joined us as we celebrate, honor, and remember my mom, Martha.

Seeing so many family members and friends here remind me just how important relationships were to Mom. Thank you for being here to support us and celebrate her life.

As I've reflected on Mom's life, one thing has become especially clear: people mattered to her.

She genuinely wanted to know what was happening in your life. If you called Mom—or if she called you—the conversation usually started the same way:

"What's new?"

"What do you know?"

"What are you up to?"

Sometimes she'd even ask, "What's for dinner?"

She loved hearing about family, friends, children, grandchildren, and everyday life. She wasn't asking just to make conversation—she truly cared. She remembered names, families, and stories, and she never seemed to lose interest in the people around her.

Mom had a hard exterior and wasn't shy about sharing her opinions, but beneath that was someone with a caring heart. She was always willing to answer the phone, listen, and make time for one more conversation.

Family meant everything to Mom. Growing up as one of six children, she remained close with her brothers and sisters throughout her life. She especially treasured her almost daily conversations with her sisters, keeping up with family and everything happening in everyone's lives.

Mom was also competitive. Whether it was basketball growing up, ping pong with her grandson, or cheering on the Seahawks and Anacortes sports, she loved the game. Even after her mobility declined, she rarely missed following a game on television or the radio.

She loved playing Pinochle with family and friends, where the conversations were often just as important as the cards.

Mom and Dad were married for 29 years and raised our family together. Later, she and Jim shared another 29 wonderful years. During Jim's battle with cancer, she faithfully cared for him with love and devotion.

She loved the home they built together and, although she appreciated the friendships she found at Cap Sante Court, that house always remained home in her heart.

Mom enjoyed traveling throughout the Pacific Northwest, camping with family, and making memories. She also loved Charlie, her faithful companion for fifteen years.

She enjoyed simple pleasures—a Diet Coke from McDonald's, her favorite Number 13 pizza from Village Pizza, shopping trips, bright colors, shoes, pedicures, and rides with family. Those drives often ended with Diet Coke on her shirt, but somehow that simply became part of the experience.

One of her greatest joys in later years was her bright red scooter. It gave her freedom and, more importantly, helped her stay connected with people.

Life gave Mom more than her share of challenges, but she kept moving forward.

Debbie and I want to thank everyone who was part of Mom's life. Your kindness, friendship, patience, and time meant more to her than you probably realized.

When I think about Mom, I keep coming back to this: people mattered to her.

If she asked about you, remembered your family, or wanted to know what was happening in your life, please know that you mattered to her.

As you remember Mom, I hope you'll remember that her interest in others wasn't something she occasionally did—it was simply who she was.

And as I picture her today, I can't help but smile, imagining one of her very first questions being...

"What's new?"

Because that's who she was.

Mom—

You were loved.

You mattered.

You will be remembered.

Presented by

Karen Evans

Daughter