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Martha Martin-Collier Obituary
31, of Phoenix, AZ, died at home on May 14, 2011. Martha was born in Hawaii and at age 2 moved to Jacksonville, NC. At age 15 she moved to Phoenix, AZ. In 2003 she met and married the love of her life. Marti loved frogs, knitting, reading, drawing, theater, and being with her husband and friends. Her brothers and sisters knew her as the master storyteller because she could do all the voices and bring the characters from their favorite books to life. She rarely lost at video games. Her friends knew her as someone who did everything for everyone else with little regard for herself. The world was a better place with her in it, and she is missed by so many. Marthi was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather Ed Martin, maternal uncle James Kane, and her beloved cat Mysti. She is survived by her husband of 8 ½ years Joseph Collier, her father Michael J. Martin (spouse Xanat Martinez), mother Kathleen L. Hoffman, and siblings Charles (Chad) E. Martin, M. Brian Martin, Leora R. Martin (spouse Matthew Carrillo), Bradley J. Martin, Jessamyn R. Martin, Matthew S. Martinez, Victoria E. Hoffman, James F. Hoffman, Corrine M. Hoffman, LeAnne Hoffman, and Laura Hoffman. She is also survived by her paternal grandmother Phyllis R. Martin, maternal grandmother Noretta Kane-Haynes, and maternal grandfather Daniel J. Kane (spouse Sheila Kane), in-laws Dennis and Rosalyn Collier, cats Moo-ning and Bellatrix, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces. Marti had been a Maricopa County employee for the last six years and was a library assistant. She was a fun loving free spirit and her imagination and light was brilliant. Our mighty little MEM has moved on ahead of us, and when the wind blows, we will listen for her voice as she reads a book, says I love you daddy, and love you munchkin. A celebration of Martha's life will be held on Monday May 23, 2011, 11:00 a.m., at Messinger Mortuary, 7601 East Indian School Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251.
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Memories and Condolences
for Martha Martin-Collier
Sponsored by Michael Martin.
Leora Carrillo
May 17, 2024
Thinking of you tonight.
Mother´s day was this past weekend, I have three boys now.
I know you´re with us, moments happen in the garden and the boys play with the frogs outside. The memories come flooding forward. I miss you so much.
I wish you were here to hold him, play with them, tell them the stories that you used to bring to life for us as kids.
We watched the sword n the stone the other day. Every time i think of you acting out parts. Singing. Dancing.
You were a bright light that left too soon.
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Grief is hard and sometimes debilitating. It just something that i have learned to live with.
I love you, and think of you often, you are always with me.
Leora
Leora Carrillo
May 25, 2020
Its hard to believe that 9 years has lapsed since you passed.
I think if you often.
I miss you so much.
Visiting with Family and talking about childhood memories are filled with joy, and are bitter sweet. Because wed rather have you hear making more memories.
You are forever my big sister, i look up to you still.
I love you more than words reflect.
Leora
Meg
March 8, 2015
Was reminiscing about high school today and thought about you again today Martha. My heart hurts knowing you aren't around anymore. I miss you.
Meg
August 23, 2013
Bouncing randomly around on the internet today and I came across a silly Animaniacs video. Immediately burst into tears remembering how we used to sing the songs together.
I miss you still.
Dennis and Roz Collier
February 5, 2013
Dearest Marti: I and Dennis miss you. We miss your creativity, your smiling eyes and your uniqueness. The moments when your loss comes to mind are on beautiful days, a reminder when we see someone who resembles you, and in our sons fond rememberance of what a joy you were as his mate. We love you and continue to love you..
To our daughter-in-law; We love and miss you, Dennis and Roz
Michael Martin
February 3, 2013
Yesterday was your birthday remembrance, but I still remember your birth. You were from birth on a joy to have as a daughter. You were so unique, just like your siblings were. So independent, yet so giving. I miss our Wednesday night visits when I drove you home from work, it was nice to have that time with you each week. Miss you pumpkin.
Kevin Winters
February 3, 2013
Still thinking of you cousin!
Leora Martin
February 2, 2013
Happy Birthday!
You're deeply missed.
Who other ground hog will ask about winter?
I love you big sis.
?Leora
Michael Martin
November 27, 2012
Leora-- Thank you for extending Martha's space here. I should have thanked you before now, but I visit here weekly. Thank you for your acts of love. Dad
Leora Martin
November 17, 2012
Hello Martha,
The world has flown by this past year.
No words can convey the feelings I've had since your passing. At times I feel you. That you speak to my heart, and know my inner thoughts. You are with me in all I do. I carry your memory with me always.
Our time here was short, and only hope to continue when we meet again.
I always looked up to you as a child. Now I look to you in the light, in the wind, and in the most beautiful things of this earth.
There is only love when I think of you.
Leora
September 21, 2011
Joseph Collier
September 13, 2011
No words can express the endless crushing pain I feel in my heart every moment of every day knowing that the most wonderful person ever to grace this wretched planet is now gone. For almost the last 9 years Martha and I were inseparable, even during our darkest of times. Its hard to look to my side and realize, yet again, that she isn't there to gaze upon. It has become tedious to think of the countless times I have been caught in wandering ponderance, when suddenly I must immediately inform Marti as to my sudden stroke of genius.......only to have my elation dashed upon the rocks, with no hope of contacting her.
Now, maybe this is just the ramblings of a raging half-lunatic...but I swear sometimes when the wind is just right, I can hear her whispering in my ear once more "I'm O.K., I love you." Oh how I wish it could become reality to hear her reassuring voice. To be able to embrace her in my arms as we did so many times before would be more precious to me than the treasures of all the universe.
Never will I understand the necessity for souls of such purity and youth to be taken from us. It simply doesn't make one bit of sense, and undoubtedly never will.
I think it goes without saying that Martha made a monumental impact in a plethora of lives. Vastly more so than I was ever able to see, sadly, until after her passing. Seeing that she made such an impact and sharing experiences with others has been both heart warming and obliterating. I have truly enjoyed seeing that she will never be accused of not leaving a gigantic mark upon society. Thank you...
and with that, I have run out of witty words to spew forth, and the ability to withhold the welling tears in my eyes.
I love you Martha, always and forever. I will always be yours; likewise you will always be mine. Never any exceptions.
Joseph Collier
September 13, 2011
No words can express the endless crushing pain I feel in my heart every moment of every day knowing that the most wonderful person ever to grace this wretched planet is now gone. For almost the last 9 years Martha and I were inseparable, even during our darkest of times. Its hard to look to my side and realize, yet again, that she isn't there to gaze upon. It has become tedious to think of the countless times I have been caught in wandering ponderance, when suddenly I must immediately inform Marti as to my sudden stroke of genius.......only to have my elation dashed upon the rocks, with no hope of contacting her.
Now, maybe this is just the ramblings of a raging half-lunatic...but I swear sometimes when the wind is just right, I can hear her whispering in my ear once more "I'm O.K., I love you." Oh how I wish it could become reality to hear her reassuring voice. To be able to embrace her in my arms as we did so many times before would be more precious to me than the treasures of all the universe.
Never will I understand the necessity for souls of such purity and youth to be taken from us. It simply doesn't make one bit of sense, and undoubtedly never will.
I think it goes without saying that Martha made a monumental impact in a plethora of lives. Vastly more so than I was ever able to see, sadly, until after her passing. Seeing that she made such an impact and sharing experiences with others has been both heart warming and obliterating. I have truly enjoyed seeing that she will never be accused of not leaving a gigantic mark upon society. Thank you...
and with that, I am run out of witty words to spew forth, and the ability to withhold the welling tears in my eyes.
I love you Martha, always and forever. i will always be yours, likewise you will always be mine. Never any exceptions.
June 7, 2011
I'm sorry that I wasn't much of a brother for you. You helped give me some freedom during some of my worst times. I wish I could have at least talked to one more time. Good-bye.
Kevin Winters
May 31, 2011
Martha was a great cousin! We haden't spoken for a few years but she will always have a special place in my heart!
Kimee Edgar
May 28, 2011
I met Martha in High School and will always remember her infectuous smile! Always giggling, smilimg and bringing people around her such joy. I remember that everytime I saw her I would say "It's Martha Martin from North Carolina!" because when we met that what she said.."I'm Martha Martin from North Carolina!" I ran into her periodically after High School and although we didn't really hang out or keep much on contact I always got a big hug! Martha I will miss you and feel blessed that although short lived,I knew you. You touched people and because we knew you our lives changed for the better! R I P
Cheryl Campbell
May 23, 2011
I got to work with Martha for a short time and I will always be grateful for her patience. She was unfailingly cheerful and genuinely cared about everyone she worked with. I am glad to have known her.
Kyle Reinholt
May 23, 2011
While we never met, you were one of my best friends. There was never a dull moment hanging out with you online. You were a great leader and role model for all of us in the room. Everyone who knew you, online and offline, will always miss you.
Xani
May 23, 2011
I've been trying to think what I can say other than it is just really weird you are not here. No Wednesday evening rides home, no more annual trek to the chocolate affair, no more sending over boxes of books and the shelves to put them in so you too would not have boxes of books sprouting all over your house, and no more of your two finger blowing kisses. I was always amazed at how much you resembled and acted like your dad... always made me laugh.. and drove me nuts too. You have no idea how much you are missed.. I know out of habit I'll be watching for you on the rail or the bus, looking for a hat with a big pom pom on it.. or for the calls Wednesday nights to remind your dad to pick you up. We are all looking after Joe, and he is looking after us. Mostly you need to know you were the best sister ever to a little boy you called munchkin, even after he grew so much he towered over you, and for that I am grateful. No goodbyes, just see ya later.
Andy Clayton
May 21, 2011
Although we did not personally know each other, you were a great friend. You taught me many things and you could always turn a boring night into something funny. You will be greatly missed, but shall live on in the many hearts you have touched.
Angela Solomone
May 21, 2011
You will be truely missed by all who knew and loved you
Amy
May 21, 2011
Martha, you are truely a loveable person and someone who would always make me laugh and smile. I dont remember a day where you didnt have a smile on your face. You will be truely missed my friend and we will meet again one day. Remember, there is never a goodbye, just a see you later
Michael Martin
May 20, 2011
My daughter, Martha, has left a hole in my heart, that is thankfully filled with many loving memories of her.
I enjoy reading about moments from Martha's life as told by her friends I have in some cases never met. Meg and Molly, you were two of the friends she most missed as we moved west in early 1997. I am so glad that over the years you two were still in touch with her.
So glad that past and present co-workers have fond memories of her.
When I blessed her as a child I declared that she was "a gem, a treasure to her parents and the world" she has been all of that.
I will miss her every day.
Angela Humphrey
May 20, 2011
Martha-I will always remember your smile and your laughter. I am thankful that I could reconnect a little before you left. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Meg
May 20, 2011
The world is a bit darker place now that one of it's brightest stars has winked out.
Martha - words can never express how much your friendship meant to me. You came into my life at one of the lowest points and helped me get through it. You could always make me laugh no matter what. I love and miss you dear friend.
Rebecca Howe
May 20, 2011
I will remember Martha as a beautiful young woman with a nurturing, caring soul and a smile for everyone. She was one of those rare people who lights up a room just by entering it. My heart goes out to all who love and mourn her.
Patricia Council
May 20, 2011
Although I didn't see you much, I thought about you often. Distance and circumstances may separate, but family is always family.
Traci Stephens (McMahan)
May 20, 2011
Martha, I will always remeber you and your energetic personality! You have touched many lives through your short life.
Travis Joy
May 20, 2011
Martha was an amazing person. I am very thankful to have had the opportunity to have met her and become friends with her. I am going to miss her very much. My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family.
Kathleen Hoffman
May 20, 2011
My beloved first daughter, always in my heart and mind.
Reta Sneddon
May 20, 2011
Martha was such a treat to see every morning. I always wondered what color hair she was going to have on a weekly basis. She really brightened up our office and I'm going to miss her!
Molly Milligan
May 20, 2011
Martha, you were amazing. Thank you for the childhood memories that will last to comfort and treasure as time moves on. We will meet again one day my friend.
melissa campagnoli
May 20, 2011
marti truly had an inner light with a penchant to shine outwardly and envelop those around her. her soul was absolutely radiant and her love for her family and friends unfaltering . martha was one of the purest people i know and was unfailingly genuine to the core. to say she was nice would be an understatement for marti was, and will always be, one of the sweetest individuals i have ever been blessed to encounter. although limited because we lived on completely opposite and inverse coasts of the country, we were still able to video chat frequently and long into the night. marti always kept me laughing with her unpredictability. we would be playing games online, simply chatting and suddenly i would look up from my game and there she was, suddenly donning a wig or she tied up her hair in silly ways and was making faces at me. or she'd disappear for a minute and leave the screen black, and suddenly she would reappear holding the most ridiculous props that i wouldn't even have expected to be in her home haha-- dressed up mannequin heads and homeade lion tails. Sometimes, we would even have a visit from the beloved cats (but shh, joey doesn't like cats on the computer desk lol). But this is how i will always remember marti, laughing and smiling while spreading that joy to others so that they too have uplifted hearts and smiles painted across their faces. i will always miss her, but we will all meet her at our destined times, so in the meantime, i honor her life and being through the thoughts and memories i keep alive within myself. rest in peace marti, i love you "vampsicle". love always, your "macadoodle".
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Messinger Mortuaries- Indian School Mortuary7601 East Indian School Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
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