Marcella Martin

With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around her, Marcella Martin lived each moment to the fullest while holding her loved ones near. She was a woman who was passionate in everything she did and was content in wherever her journey brought her. Blessed to spend the majority of her life with her true love by her side, she and her beloved husband treasured nothing more than their family that grew to include children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who will carry on their legacy that is firmly rooted in grace, compassion, and unending devotion to family.

The Roaring Twenties were an exciting time in American history when radios, affordable automobiles, and new adventures in the world of flight were signs of the time. It was during this vibrant time that George and Rose (Trippel) Schwaiger were pleased to announce the birth of their baby girl on November 21, 1922, in Birmingham, Alabama. Marcella was the oldest of nine children in her family and was raised in the family home on Scribner, NW in Grand Rapids, Michigan, alongside her siblings, Arthur, Helen, Charles, Eugene, Marian, Richard, James, and Judiann. As the oldest of the Schwaiger children, she carried numerous responsibilities in the home such as caring for her younger siblings, cooking, cleaning, laundry, and keeping the daily happenings running smoothly.

In many ways Marcella experienced a typical upbringing. Her father worked as a mechanic in the local gypsum mines while her mother was a homemaker. Marcella and her family were members of St. Mary’s Catholic Church where she also attended elementary school. She went on to graduate from Mt. Mercy Academy, a Catholic girls school. After high school Marcella worked as a dental assistant for about five years.

Life was forever changed for Marcella when she met the young man of her dreams. His name was Gerald Martin, and they were introduced by Gerald's cousin, Dorothy Platte. After dating for about a year, the sweethearts were married on August 23, 1947, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. When Gerald took a job as a business tax auditor they moved to Jackson, Michigan. Together they welcomed three children into their hearts and home: Robert in 1951, Marilyn in 1953, and David in 1956, which was the same year they relocated to Portage. This was the community Marcella called home until 2011.

Throughout her life nothing was more important to Marcella than her family. She was an extraordinary homemaker and mother who sent her children off to school with real food instead of just a sandwich every day. Together the family took their camper that was made by Marcella’s father-in-law, with the canvas cover designed and sewn by Marcella. . They made it to forty states and eight Canadian provinces over one month vacations that they took every summer. The Martins also went to every national park.

Gerald was an avid photographer, and although Marcella was always involved with his hobby as well, she later came to share the same passion for it that he did. There was no limit to their shared hobby, and together they collected over 100,000 photographs. Marcella and Gerald were both awarded associate status by the Photographic Society of America, and also involved with several camera clubs. Over the years they presented over 1,000 slide lectures to civic groups, garden clubs, churches, and schools through which they promoted the beauty of the world, our country, and the environment. Marcella and Gerald had a room in their home that was dedicated to their photography, where they sorted their equipment and developed the slide presentations. Beginning in 1947, they made their own Christmas cards that showcased one of their pictures on the front. They were not only passionate about their hobby, but they were also inseparable. For as long as they were able they attended National Photographic Society conventions and won numerous awards for their slide lecture presentations.

Always a busy person, Marcella enjoyed additional hobbies as well. She learned the art of invisible reweaving. She could repair clothing by taking a torn garment and weaving it back together. She developed this cottage industry so that she could remain at home with her children. She worked at this tedious task nearly full time, using a magnifying glass and a bright lamp. Her work space was in the center of the home so that she could remain fully engaged with the family. An avid seamstress, she made much of Marilyn’s clothing as well as doll clothing. Knitting was also something she enjoyed, and through the years she made several afghans for family and friends. Highly skilled in the kitchen, Marcella’s most famous meals were chop suey, homemade pizza, and spaghetti among many others. Although she didn’t watch much television, she did enjoy a classic show from time to time in addition to Wheel of Fortune and Columbo.

In the beginning of 1983, both Marcella and Gerald retired, which gave them even more time to devote to photography and traveling to over 30 countries. Loving grandparents, they also looked forward to spending time with their grandchildren. Full of energy, they bought over 80 acres in Manistee where they developed a tree farm using forest management techniques they researched to develop high quality trees that were used for veneer and furniture building. Firm believers in education, Marcella and Gerald also created college funds for their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Many years of international travel ended with a final trip, a voyage on the Queen Mary in 2008. In April of 2011, Gerald became ill with pneumonia and died on July 17, 2011. A short time after Gerald'a death, Marcella was injured in a fall and had to leave their home of 56 years. After a short stay in the hospital and nursing home, She moved to Sheldon Meadows Assisted Living Center in Hudsonville, where she was closer to her son David and other relatives.

Filled with unending love for her family, Marcella Martin was a blessing to those around her. She worked hard in everything she did and loved sharing her gifts with others. A woman who was truly beautiful on the inside and out, Marcella will be dearly missed while her memory remains a lasting treasure in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Marcella S. Martin, aged 91, formerly of Portage, MI, passed away on Saturday May 3, 2014 at Sheldon Meadows Assisted Living in Hudsonville, MI. She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Gerald F. Martin in 2011. She is survived by her children, Robert (Susan) Martin, Marilyn Alvey, David Martin (Marcae Manting); 7 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren; her brother and sisters, Eugene (Marilyn) Schwaiger, Helen (Roger) Ross, Judiann (Tom) Dakoske; many nieces, nephews and friends. Marcella and her husband Gerald were passionate photographers. She belonged to multiple camera clubs, was an Associate of the Photographic Society of America, traveling all over the world and gave many slide lectures. She was also a member of the Kalamazoo Garden Club. Cremation has taken place. A service to celebrate Marcella’s life will be held on Thursday May 8 at 7:00 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW in Grand Rapids, MI. Burial in Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet her family at the funeral home on Thursday May 8 from 2-4 and 6-7 PM. Contributions in her memory may be made to Kalamazoo Nature Center, Kalamazoo Air Zoo or the Kalamazoo Garden Club. To read more about Marcella’s Life, to leave your own memory of her and to sign her guest book, visit her web page at www.lifestorynet.com