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Del Martin Obituary
Kate Kendell, executive director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, said Martin died at a San Francisco hospital Wednesday morning, two weeks after a broken arm exacerbated her existing health problems.
Her wife, Phyllis Lyon, was by her side, Kendell said.
Along with six other women, they founded a San Francisco social club for lesbians in 1955 called the Daughters of Bilitis. Under their leadership, the group evolved into the nation's first lesbian advocacy organization.
The couple were married at San Francisco City Hall on June 16. Mayor Gavin Newsom, who officiated the wedding, singled them out to be the first gay couple to legally exchange vows in the city, in recognition of their activism.
The two were among the two dozen couples who served as plaintiffs in the lawsuits that led the state Supreme Court to overturn California's ban on gay marriage in May.
The Daughters of Bilitis was named after book of lesbian erotic poetry first published in Paris in 1894.
Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press
138 Entries
Corrie Howard
October 18, 2008
Thank you for your undying persistence to make this world a better place....
September 22, 2008
So sorry to hear about Del.
Brent and Carrie...
How you can show support
David Parker
September 18, 2008
Our hearts go out to her wife and family.
Maria
September 9, 2008
Phylis:
Please accept my condolences. The lifelong commitment that you and Del shared is an inspiration to others, no matter their orientation.
Liz Ross
September 6, 2008
From the first time I read Lesbian/Woman 35 years ago, Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon have been two of my inspirations to keep up the fight for our rights. Their influence was international and in forming DOB they inspired early activists in Australia to organise a chapter, the first open gay rights organisation in this country. We mourn Del Martin's loss, but know that the movement is all the stronger for her having been there.
Jonalu Johnstone
September 6, 2008
I so appreciate the leadership that Del demonstrated to the lesbian, gay, and women's communities. She was amazing. I knew her daughter Kendra many years ago, and extend my sympathies to all the family.
Lin Ennis & Ellen Betts
September 2, 2008
Del and Phyllis - You've inspired us for nearly 30 years - the last 15 together. Your wedding photos are beautiful. We aspire to being old women together like you two.
Phyllis - our hearts go out to you as you recreate your life without the physical presence of your best friend.
Love and a big long hug (((((((Phyllis))))))),
Peninsula MCC
September 2, 2008
The Peninsula Metropolitan Community Church adds our voices to those who are thankful for a woman upon whose shoulders we stand as LGBT people. Thank you for laying a foundation of expanding freedom and love. Phyllis, we are truly sorry for your loss, you love was a shining light for all of us.
Rosalie Kennedy
September 1, 2008
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
God Bless Del
Veronica Fox
September 1, 2008
What a remarkable couple a great example of what true love and devotion is. God bless you both.
Jill Otey
September 1, 2008
Thank you both. Your souls are sewn together in the fabric of a human community forever altered by your courage and loving perseverance.
David Parker
September 1, 2008
Our hearts go out to her wife and family.
Carol Loch
September 1, 2008
Phyllis, my deepest sympathy for the loss of your beloved Del. Thank you for your fight for equal rights for all GLBT communities. You both are a blessing to all.
donna
September 1, 2008
my sincere sympathy.
you fought a long hard fight, you found happiness, may you rest in peace.
Nel Stephens
August 31, 2008
Lesbian/Woman was my guidebook as I crashed out of the closet in 1978. I carried it everywhere hoping another lesbian would spot me and introduce to the Lesbian Nation. Of course the green t-shirt with 4" white letters stating: DYKE may have also been a tip off. I still have my copy of your book. You have a giant hug of love and thanks from my partner and me, embracing you, Phillyis, and I think Del would approve.
Sincerely,
Nel
Maureen " MO " Dundon
August 31, 2008
God Bless the family and friends of this great woman ! Please let us all remember the old adage ... " Love wasn't put in your heart to stay .... Love isn't Love 'til you give it away ! " Blessings to all , M. Dundon
Gina Curtis
August 31, 2008
Ms. Lyons, our deepest condolences to your and your family in the loss of your wife. Thank you for all you have done to help our community.
Gina & Boo
Judy Seifer
August 31, 2008
My Dear Phyllis,
Our love and thoughts are with you at this time. Del will be missed by so many of us as she changed our lives in so many positive ways.
Judy and Bill Seifer
Jennie Baxley
August 31, 2008
My partner and I would like to thank Del for paving the way for other same sex partners. You give us hope in a state that can't separate church from the state. Our prayers go out to her wife and her family.
ALLISON TORRES
August 31, 2008
MAY GOD BLESS YOU BOTH.
SHE IS WITH THE LORD NOW!
YOU TRULY BOTH MADE HISTORY & WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!
SHE WILL BE MISSED!
MUCH ALOHA TO ALL!
Jeff Peterson
August 31, 2008
My Partner and I send the family and wife of Del Martin our deepest sympathies.
TJ Askren
August 31, 2008
I got to meet Del and Phyllis a couple of years ago. What an honor to be in the presence of such pioneers.
Thank you for all your hard work. My condolences to Phyllis.
Emily
August 31, 2008
Thank God for people like Del.
Charlotte Taylor Nowak
August 31, 2008
My partner and I wish to send our condolences to the passing of a great woman. She was a real pioneer fighting for gay and lesbian rights! It's so very moving that she married at 87 shortly before she died and that she and her life long partner were the first legal same sex marriage in San Francisco!
Patricia Brown
August 30, 2008
I am a straight lady who believes in gay rights so i am honored to be allowed to sign this guest book thank you and I hope that gay people get all the rights of straight people because regardless of you sexual orentation we are all human
"Jack" - John Fisher
August 29, 2008
Thank you for your patience, and courage, Dell!!! May you now rest in peace, eternally, after having achieved the goals, in life, for you, for your spouse, and for every person in this great nation.
You remain in my prayers with
LOVE,
"Jack"-:)
Linda Tyler
August 29, 2008
My partner and I have been together almost 29 years and recently married at Sf City Hall. We lived the 1970s and 1980s DOB in SF and we are here for you and believe we must all stick together. Write any time. Thank you for your champion efforts and we care. Linda and Ann.
leigh andrews
August 29, 2008
what a loss - del was an amazing woman and she'll be missed. love and blessings to phyliss.
Marc Bearden
August 29, 2008
What a truly wonderful woman - you will be missed!
Julie Marcell-Humphrey
August 29, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with Phyllis and her family today. Del & Phyllis are the reason my partner and I are today a married couple. You both are pioneers and inspirations for the LGBT community and will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace Del.
Brittany Hardwick
August 29, 2008
Thank you so much for taking a stand and helping get the equality we deserve... RIP
Brittany-Fort Worth, tx
Gina Vivinetto
August 29, 2008
Thank you so much for giving all of us gay women a role model. Thank you for your bravery, your charm and your boundless spirit.
Cathy and Susan
August 29, 2008
Webster's definition of Pioneer - "One of the first colonists or settlers in a new territory" - Del certainly fits that description! Rest in peace....
Phyllis Gorman
August 29, 2008
As a graduate student from Columbus, Ohio I traveled to SF, California to interview Del and Phyllis in 1984 for my Master's thesis project on the DOB. Nine years previous - as a freshman at OSU - I received a POSTCARD overdue library notice at my mother's home for their book LESBIAN/WOMAN which provoked a passionate denial to a "behind closed doors" conversation my mother initiated about my own sexual orientation.
Now 50, and in my 28th year with my own partner - I still look to Del and Phyllis as role models for what lesbians can accomplish in our personal and political lives. Thanks for sharing yourselves and taking the risks that opened doors for women of my generation.
My deepest sympathies go to Phyllis.
Jane VI
August 29, 2008
A sad day for the lgbt community. RIP, Del.
Susan Gage
August 29, 2008
Rest in peace to a sister who did so much for all of us, and lived to see a dream come true for herself and her sweetie. May light perpetual shine upon you!
Rest In Peace
Michael Iezzi
August 29, 2008
Rest in Peace.
Roland Taylor
August 29, 2008
In the world of fields with stones and rocks, while Del's hands were on the plow she decided to fight and move the rocks and stones. Now those that come behind her will have lesser rocks and stones to remove.
You have done what we all hope to do, live here, stay awhile and "make the "farm" more inhabitial for the next generation.
I thank you dear, dear soldier. I sincerely appreciate your long hard work.
Rest in peace.
With all my love and respect.
Roland D. Taylor
Bob May
August 29, 2008
God bless Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon. Two brave and beautiful pioneers.
BARBARA NICE
August 29, 2008
MY HEART GOES OUT TO THE FAMILY. I DON'T HAVE THE SAME KIND OF LIFE STYLE AS THESE TWO LADIES, BUT I AM SADDENED THAT THEY ARE APART NOW, AFTER 50+ YEARS TOGETHER.
I READ WITH INTEREST ABOUT THEIR LONG ROAD TOGETHER AND FIGHTING FOR THE RIGHT TO JUST LOVE EACH OTHER AND BE TOGETHER.
BARBARA NICE, PENNSYLVANIA
Miriam Schacht
August 29, 2008
I must admit I cried when I saw the news stories about Del and Phyllis finally being married legally (twice); I was so moved. This story is now so bittersweet. Phyllis, our deepest sympathy is with you. Your relationship, and your commitment to your love and your communities, are an inspiration to many of us. Thank you - not just thank you Del, but thank you both for everything you have done for all of us.
LV Henderson
August 29, 2008
This is so sad. We have lost a truly great warrior for human rights. Rest in peace, Mrs. Martin. Thirty years ago, your books were an inspiration to a young lesbian. Because of you, I have laughed, loved and lived "out loud". Hang in there Mrs. Lyon. You are loved. Both of you are pioneers and heroes.
Paul
August 28, 2008
Even those who are not in the gay lifestyle have to marvel at the years Del and Phyllis spent together. I certainly do.
D. ZIMMERMAN
August 28, 2008
REST IN PEACE DEL MARTIN
Jason Moody
August 28, 2008
Mrs. Phyllis,
God bless you during this time of your heartbroken loss. I want to extend a personal thank you and your wife's tireless efforts to make a way for the gay communities all over the United States. I cannot tell you how saddened I was to read this heart breaking article. May Del rest in peace and may you be comforted in the hard days to come. Know that you are loved and cherished.
Alex Gambeau
August 28, 2008
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Virginia Wendel
August 28, 2008
A very sad day indeed and yet very grateful for the pioneering vision, spirit and work of Del and Phyllis. May God's blessings be with Phyllis at this time of mourning and remembering. Del lives on in all of us who believe in and work for equality for all people.
Maples Dorothy
August 28, 2008
Phyllis, my thoughts are with you and your family and friends. Thank you to the both of you for all the hard work and determentaion, and most of all love that you two shared is such and inspiration. My partner and I are going to have our ceremony next sunday. Thank you for standing up for your love for one another.
Deborah Severtson-Coffin
August 28, 2008
I'm thankful Del lived long enough to marry her love, and see the legal changes taking place in the this country.
Yakima, WA
Carol B.
August 28, 2008
My heart is heavy for your loss Phyllis. Your both true visionaries and appreciated advocates. Del's legacy & legend will live on in the hearts of all Gays & Lesbians. Not only did your love endured it has transformed others. I thank you both for not only blazing a trail but opening up the flood gates for all of "US". Del will always be remembered with lots of love and graditude. God Bless you Phyllis and may your days be filled with memories of the Love of your Life.
A Friend.
Rachel Smith-Mosel
August 28, 2008
Dear Ones,
My children know you by name as their heros just as we know you as our sisters. May you be filled with adoring love in this time of great sorrow.
Cathy & Joan Blessum-Loeffler
August 28, 2008
I and my partner first want to express our deepest sympathy to Phyllis and to Del's family and friends for their loss. Del and Phyllis have been an inspiration to my partner and I throughout our 18 years together. We strive to have a long relationship like Del and Phyllis have had together.
Del and Phyllis have fought and lead the way to show us the path to equality for 50 plus years. Now we in the this community must continue to follow the path they've lead us on, and not let Del or Phyllis down, until we reach this place called "Equality" they've been leading us to.
Elizabeth Locker
August 28, 2008
Phyllis,
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Kendra and all of your loved ones during this difficult time. Del is now in the loving arms of God and hopefully feeling proud of her wonderful accomplishments while on this planet. Our community owes a great debt of gratitude to brave women like the two of you. I am humbled and inspired by your bravery and persistence in the face of adversity.
Peace and Love,
Julie
August 28, 2008
Phyllis, my heart goes out to you. What amazing people you are. Thank you so much. I'm so glad you were able to marry (twice now!). My you have the comfort you need from others and from above. Blessings.
Lillian Kaiser
August 28, 2008
May Del's memory be a blessing to us all. Phyllis, peace to you and may you
be comforted in your loss.
Mel Barkley
August 28, 2008
Thank you Del for all you've done for the LGBT community and the country as a whole. Your pioneering spirit during some very difficult times in our history is a testiment to your vision, your beliefs and your determination. So many will miss your presence, but will forever embrace your "activism" and your "undying spirit" - my thouhgts and prayers are with Phyllis and the rest of your family at this most difficult time. Rest in Peace ~
Molly
August 28, 2008
wow! What fine examples of lives well lived!
Just their time spent lovingly together is a benchmark all of us in the lesbian community aspire to!
What brave, selfless, and inspiring women! Del's loss leaves a big void in our community.
my heartfelt thoughts and prayers go to Phyllis. Thank you both for your courage and guidance!
chris
August 28, 2008
my deepest condolences
Tara H
August 28, 2008
You & Phyllis will always be heroes to me. Your story has moved & inspired me in so many ways. My prayers & thoughts go out to Phyllis & the rest of your family. There will never be enough thanks for what the two of you did for our community!
T Bernelli
August 28, 2008
God Bless and comfort the loved ones this brave and wonderful woman left behind.
Jim Fredricksen
August 28, 2008
I grieve at your passing, but rejoice in your legacy. You are my hero.
Marie
August 28, 2008
Celebrating a life well lived. I am so glad she lived to see the day when she could marry you, Ms. Phyllis. Maybe one day, thanks to brave souls like you and Ms. Del, we'll have the same rights here in Georgia. Then my children won't worry anymore that their moms aren't legally wed.
Kristin Peterson
August 28, 2008
It takes a brave person to do what she and her wife accomplished. I'm sorry for your loss.
Nan G
August 28, 2008
I can think of no words to describe the impact that these strong, passionate women had on my life. Del, you will be missed. My deepest sympathies to Phyl.
Beth
August 28, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with Phyllis and the family and friends during this time of incredible loss. I only wish my brother was alive today to witness what wonderful things have come since his untimely death in 1996, just because he was gay. God Speed Del - another bright star in the sky!
August 28, 2008
San Fransisco is hurting today.
Deb E
August 28, 2008
I am so sorry to hear of Del's passing. What an inspiration to adhere to one's convictions!
Phyllis, may God bless you and keep you close -- my condolences.
Misty & Brooke Bias
August 28, 2008
Thank you for standing up for what you believe in. May God be with you and your family in this time of loss.
YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED ALL AROUND THE WORLD FOR BEING PROUD OF BEING GAY AND STANDING UP FOR IT!
Thomas Widgeon
August 28, 2008
Jesus Loves Me!!!!!
Matt
August 28, 2008
Phyllis, my deepest condolences. Del was a true champion, and generations of lives have been made easier because of the work the two of you so bravely accomplished. When I saw Mayor Newsome wed you and Del on those steps, I smiled from ear to ear! It's a memory I - and millions more - will never forget. I pray God comforts you and your family during this most difficult time, and my thoughts are with your family.
Christy
August 27, 2008
Del, you were an inspiration. Rest in peace.
My deepest sympathies to Phyllis.
Dudley C. Haas
August 27, 2008
Please accept my heartfelt condolences upon the passing of Del Martin. She was truly a beautiful lady who helped make America a better place by showing that our rights and freedoms are all guarenteed by the bill of Rights. On behalf of myself, my wife Betty and my son Dudley the III, we want to send out our love, prayers and gratatude to all her family and friends.
Deb Tabor
August 27, 2008
Thank you to both Del and Phyllis for being such exceptional people. We need more like you, not less.
Willa & Jo Grant
August 27, 2008
As a happily married lesbian couple we can only say "thank you for your work Del, rest in peace". Our prayers go out to Phyllis & their family.
I pray I can use fraction del courage
Danny Guenette
August 27, 2008
condolences hugs to dels wife family friends I pray we share faith courage now in time of loss
Terry Person
August 27, 2008
I'm sure that Del's spirit will comfort Phyllis while she goes through this difficult time. I just want to thank you both for all the pioneering work you've done over the years. You have always been an inspiration to me, and the lgbt community all over the world has you to thank for much of our progress. I feel extraordinarily blest to have known you and want to thank you for being the shoulders that I and others have stood upon. I hope that Phyllis can feel all the love and respect pouring out to her from our community. I will never forget you.
Jennifer Connolly
August 27, 2008
I was saddened to hear the news. Del may you find peace in the next life. And to your beloved wife, Phyliss, may you find comfort in the days ahead.
August 27, 2008
Thank you for all of your hard work through out your lifetime to make it easy for this young woman to be openly gay. You are an inspiration and will be deeply missed. My sympathies to your family, especially your wife Phyllis.
Magdalena Rosa Gonzales-Robinson
August 27, 2008
Another star lights the sky...
Billie Parish
August 27, 2008
Our lesbian community has experienced a great loss only to be inspired to come back stronger inspired by the strength of both Del and Phyllis. I am so happy that they were finally able to be legally married even if the time was far to short.
My prayers for Phyllis and her family
Chris and Marion Powless
August 27, 2008
Many thoughts of sympathy and celebrations of joy of a life well lived.
Michelle L. Brown
August 27, 2008
Gratitude to Del and deepest sympathy to Phyllis. You continue to open doors for all of us. Love to you both.
Cheryl
August 27, 2008
My deepest sympathy goes out to the Martin and Lyon families at the loss of Del.
Kathy Paulson
August 27, 2008
Del - thank you for all you have done to make this world a better place. Phyllis, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Kat
August 27, 2008
Let us never forget those of us who stood in front and led us when no one else would or could and did so not because it was popular or because it was forced upon them, but because it was the right thing to do and someone needed to do it.
Rose Young-Stewart
August 27, 2008
She was a pioneer for the very rights that women should have, wherever and whenever...Godspeed.
August 27, 2008
There are truly no words to express what a major loss this is for the gay community. My heart goes out to the family of Del during this emotional time.
Kelly
August 27, 2008
I'm not sure why the story of Del and Phyllis affected me the way that it did. As a straight, single woman I wouldn't excpect to feel such compassion for them nor would I expect to be so drawn to their story.
However, when I saw mayor Newsom marry them a few months ago, I couldn't help but to watch in awe. I can only begin to imagine loving someone for 50+ years only to have the bond that you share be legally recognized in the final months of your life.
Del, you layed the groundwork for so many couples to follow. You left a legacy that should and hopefully will be honored in the near future.
Phyllis, may the memories you have bring you peace.
I'm writing this with tears in my eyes. Not for the loss of a beautiful life or an end to a bittersweet story, but with the hope of a better future. A future that promises equal rights and opportunities to ALL. Del shares in the responsibilty in bringing that promise to the forefront.
God bless.
August 27, 2008
Lots of love and gratitude
for leading the way...
So sorry to hear of your loss
Megan
August 27, 2008
Del and Phyllis have inspired so many to value love and to be happy. My sincere condolences to Phyllis and the rest of your family, and also my thanks to you for being an amazing leader and role model.
Zandra Conway
August 27, 2008
It was wonderful to see Del Martin & Phyllis Lyon get married. They were together for 55 years. Those two women are my sheros. May Del's spirit watch over the LGBT community with love and peace.
May Phyllis find comfort from the beautiful memories they shared.
Ms Del, may you rest in peace with our Father/Mother God!
Kim
August 27, 2008
My partner and I got married in February 2004 and had our marriage "nullified" by the State. I know this happened to you as well. I'm so glad, though, that you and Phyl were able to finally get married this year and that you're in heaven as a married woman! Thank you for more than 50 years of work for gay and lesbian rights.
Mary Dolan Bell
August 27, 2008
It was so moving to see Del and Phyllis on their wedding day. To work that long and that hard for the one you love and for the rights of others...God bless you both.
Carla Jones
August 27, 2008
I will alway"s love your courage to
standup for your belief.Rest in peace
Del.
Love C.Jones
Barbara McDonald
August 27, 2008
You were an inspiration to me, personally and politically, and your passion moved generations of women to embrace their individual truth with dignity and determination.
You were treasured. You are missed. You will be remembered.
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