Martin, Kerry & Austin Michael
Kerry Martin, 34, wife of State Treasurer Dean Martin, passed away on May 25, 2009 a few hours after giving birth to their first child, Austin Michael Martin. Kerry and Dean's son was born weighing eight pounds and measuring 21.5 inches in length. Austin was the light of Kerry & Dean's lives. During his short life, he brought joy to everyone who met him. He was a beautiful mix of both his parents. On May 27th as his father cradled Austin near his heart, he peacefully passed away returning to his mother's arms. Kerry was described by friends and family as "radiant and glowing" during pregnancy. She just loved being a mother. Kerry and Austin played a
game each night, she would place a remote control on her tummy and he would kick it off. They would do this all night. Other times during the day she would just spontaneously laugh out loud; because when Austin kicked, it never hurt, it tickled. Kerry would say, she could not wait to meet him, but she was going to miss him not being with her "24/7". Kerry Mabey grew up in Arizona, graduating from Shadow Mountain High School. She then attended Arizona State University where she met her soul mate Dean Martin. Dating thoughout college, they married in 1995. Kerry graduated in 1996 as valedictorian of the entire University (Moeur Award) with a degree in Political Science and minor in Spanish. Kerry was a loving wife of 13 years, sister, aunt, daughter, niece, and friend to many. Kerry is survived by her husband Dean Martin, father Edward Mabey, her aunt Phyllis Pulice, her sister Tracy Smitherman, her brother John Mabey, and a niece and two nephews. Kerry's life was dedicated to numerous causes to help others. Most of all she cared about preserving life. In the last few years she had worked to help prevent child drownings and promote water safety. Kerry was also passionate about financial literacy to help less fortunate families improve their opportunities. She developed and presented financial literacy classes for new Habitat for Humanity homeowners, young servicemen and women at Luke Air Force Base, and many others. Simply stated, Kerry touched the lives of thousands across the state. Kerry was always the volunteer, organizer and leader. She jumped in to help donate her time, talent, and enchanting smile to support efforts she believed in. Visitation for Kerry, and baby Austin, will be open to the public between 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. and between 4 p.m. -7 p.m. on Tuesday June 2, 2009 at Hansen Desert Hills Mortuary and Memorial Park, 6500 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85254. Prayers and the rosary at 7:30 p.m. The Funeral Service is open to the public and will take place at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 11001 N. 40th Street, Phoenix Arizona. Burial will immediately follow the service at Desert Hills Memorial Park, 6500 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale, Arizona. The family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Martin Charitable Foundation in memory of Kerry Martin and Austin Michael Martin. This Foundation will ensure that while her work on this earth has come to an end, her spirit will endure to continue to help others." Remembrances can be sent to dean@americanvisuals.com.
Published in The Arizona Republic from May 31 to June 1, 2009
Hansen Desert Hills Mortuary and Memorial Park
6500 E. Bell Road Scottsdale, AZ 85254
(480) 991-5800
