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BORN
1923
DIED
2014
FUNERAL HOME
Olga Martin Obituary
April 14, 1923 - June 18, 2014
Resident of San Jose
Olga Iris Martin passed peacefully in the arms of her daughter, Jeanette, at her residence in the Carlton Plaza, on June 18, 2014 at 5:10pm. She joins her husband George, brothers Rino and Franco and parents Enrica and Bartolomeo in Heaven. She is survived by her six loving children Michael, Dennis, Vivianna, Patrick, Rico and Jeanette. Born in Serramazzoni, Italy on April 14, 1923, Olga was a clever, stylish and determined woman. Arriving in America in 1949 and launching in 1951 with hubby George, a family of 6 very spirited and independent kids. We treasure her love, patience, generosity and playful spirit. Thank you Mom! Visitation will be held on Friday, June 27, 2014 from 5-9PM with Rosary beginning at 6PM at Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary, 466 N. Winchester Blvd., Santa Clara. The Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2014 at 10AM at Queen of Apostles Church, 4911 Moorpark Ave. San Jose. Interment to follow at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery, 490 Lincoln St., Santa Clara.
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Memories and Condolences
for Olga Martin
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Mamma^ with her painting of Jesus^Christ behind her...
Michael AngelOh St Martin
July 11, 2014
I would like to share the Memorial Reading given during Mamma^s Funeral Services held at “Queen of Apostles Church” in San Jose, California on Saturday 062814:
Our beloved Mamma was born Olga Iris Franchini on April 14th, 1923 to loving Parents in the sleepy little Italian town of Serramazzoni, in the Province of Modena, Italy. She is one of four children born to Bartolomeo and Enrica Franchini including two loving brothers Rino and Franco and a sister Vivianna, who tragically died at two weeks of age. Among Olga's many natural abilities as a child was a love for climbing trees and riding her bicycle throughout the hills and towns in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy with her sister in law Ilva, Alfia and her other girlfriends. She was known to bicycle up to 70 miles of hilly terrain in a single ride.
Olga came from Italy to the United States in 1949 at the age of 26. Within the first year of her arrival to Chicago, Illinois she was already destined to meet her lifetime partner and husband of 46 years, George William Martin. By some hallmark of divine intervention Olga ended up at her first baseball game in the USA and who should be sitting a few rows in front of her but her future husband George... with another women. Olga began tossing a few popcorn kernels apparently hitting George on the back of the head... gaining his attention and the rest as they say, is history... George and Olga were married on April 7th, 1951 and began starting their family in 1952 ultimately moving from Chicago to sunny San Jose, California in 1959. They became the proud parents to six healthy children to whom they were always exceedingly devoted.
Olga was a most loving Mother making certain that each of her children were dressed warmly and had a yummy homemade lunch in bag to take with them to school each and every day. She hand knitted warm mittens, slippers and sweaters for each of her children and sewed beautiful new dresses for her girls. Every evening we were treated to a different and glorious Italian dish which she would spend hours on end creating. Olga was the consummate loving Mother and World Traveler making it her personal goal after the passing of her beloved husband George in 1997 to escort each one of her children on a one-on-one adventurous trip of a lifetime, which included journeys throughout Europe, New York, Oregon and Alaska. Memories I know we shall always remember.
In recent years Olga decided to take up painting and her first painting of Flowers was not a beginners work but reflected a natural talent that amazed all who were gifted to see her artistic creations. Since that first painting in the early 1980's she has completed well over 100 Artworks many gifted to each of her children and some gracing the walls of her home in San Jose. There is much more to this blessed life than I can share here today but those who have met Olga will know that Love surrounds her and the Love that she has nurtured within each one of us, her Children, will always be treasured and never be forgotten. She is survived by her six loving children: Michael, Dennis, Vivianna, Patrick, Richard and Jeanette. Olga Iris Franchini Martin passed peacefully in the arms of her devoted daughter Jeanette, at her residence in the Carlton Plaza, on June 18, 2014 at 5:10 pm. She joins her beloved husband George, loving brothers Rino and Franco and her devoted parents Enrica and Bartolomeo in their Heaven Home.
Over the many years, Mamma & I spoke weekly since our Father's passing in 1997 and toward the end of our visits I would say: “I Love you Mamma...” & then she'd say: “I Love you more...” & I'd say: “I know you do Mamma... you've had more practice...”
Mamma would then end every phone call visit by saying the following: “Now put your right hand over your left shoulder... & your left hand over your right shoulder... & feel me hugging you...” then she would make a hugging humming sound: “Mmmmm...” We can feel you Mamma...^ Until we meet together in Heaven... We will always feel your Loving Spirit with us Mamma...^
Mamma^, Guardian^Angel
Michael AngelOh St Martin
July 11, 2014
I wrote this little Poem for our Mamma about a month ago but it still expresses how I and I think all of her kids remember her today... Read at Mamma^s Rosary Service on 062714 it's entitled:
“I REMEMBER WHAT MAMMA^ DID...”
When I was small, and yet a needy child,
a bit mischievous and a little wild.
I remember what Mamma^ did,
she kept me safe and cared for me daily when I was just a kid...
Now Mamma^ has endured and is quite aged,
and I hope within her body does not feel caged.
To give her a fraction of the Love to me she gave,
I strive to be kind and avoid temptation to misbehave...
When I was small and could not bathe,
Mamma^ washed and dried me with the total devotion she gave.
She toweled me dry and combed my hair,
and put up with my antics she had to bear...
When I was unsure and just a child,
I remember Mamma^s patience with me so tender, so mild.
To show me the difference between wrong and right,
and help guide my Spirit into a future that grew bright...
Now Mamma^ isn't quite as sure bout things as she grows old,
about what to do and where to go, she must be told.
Mamma^ has gotten tired, and a bit weak,
she has left her vitality, and is well off her peak.
To know she is safe and loved makes me glad,
I know that aging can be both happy and sad...
When I grew up in time over the years,
I would remember Mamma^s Love to dissolve my fears.
With this Love I found a faithful & loving Wife,
My Soul partner to share with, a timeless Love in this Life...
Now Mamma^ didn't teach me everything I learned.
There were other lessons and a bit of Wisdom I myself had earned.
But in all that she said and everything done,
It was Mamma^ that helped make me, a grateful and ever-loving Son...
We Love you dear Mamma^ now & Forever All ways...
Suzanna
July 11, 2014
She has lived a full loving and giving life. The loss will be great for all who have crossed her path.
Mamma Olga stayed as long as she could with all her children after the passing of her husband in 1997.
Now she has been reunited with her loving husband and family members who left us along the way.
She raise 6 fine and respectful children, whom all have become outstanding citizens here on earth.
From artists, musicians, nurses, magicians, business owners and other highly intelligent individuals.
When she left us, it was done peacefully and without pain and suffering. She lived a full 91 years,
even though she will be missed we all know she is with God and there are no more worries for
we all know she is in good hands and we will see her again soon.
Heaven has gained a new Angel.
Even though some of you may have never met her, so the best way to describe her is to think
of a person in your life who crossed your path that was filled with Love and was such a pleasure to be around
someone you didn't want to leave their side in the hopes of the goodness to rub off on you.
Suzanne St Martin
July 11, 2014
“To be Loved for 91 years”
Our Mamma Olga is truly Blessed,
To be Loved by her, makes us all feel Blessed.
The Hugs that we share,
Shows us she cares.
The Voice that we hear,
is like Angels have appeared.
Heaven must be here,
Our Mamma Olga is an Angel,
her hugs are like invisible wings that have just appeared.
God must Love us so,
To give us Mamma Olga and to share the
Love with all who walk within our path of Life here on Earth.
May the Blessings be for you and me, May Love conquer all
and May a blissful Peace never end...
On our road trip to South dakota! Here we are hanging out in the Historic town of Deadwood.
Jeanette Martin Gemignanni
July 10, 2014
Mom and I travel to see the 'Men in the Mountain' as she liked to say!
Jeanette Martin Gemignani
July 7, 2014
Hello there! This is Mamma's baby #6 chiming in. I would like to share with those who could not make it to our Mamma's 'Celebration of Life' ceremony, my words to her at the Rosary that was held in her honor on June 27th, 2014. Here it goes:
My Mamma was an old fashioned Mom. She ran the household with finesse, raising six rambunctious spirited children and taking care of my dear old Dad. She was a wonderful Italian cook who worked in the kitchen for hours on end to create the most glorious meals all from scratch! She even baked her own bread. And I mean EVERY bread! From dinner rolls, hamburger buns to sandwich loafs. She baked cookies too. HUGE cookies! She would make like 100 cookies at a time, filling up this giant square Tupperware container. I remember coming home to a kitchen filled with the most mouth watering aromas! We could smell it from the street, drawing us inside! My friends were so envious! We all were so spoiled in the food department!
Mom even sewed our own clothes! Not just darning or repairing, oh sure she did plenty of that as well, but making elaborate outfits for the girls in the family. Vivianna and I had some pretty fancy shamancy dresses to wear to church on Sundays! I remember in particular a bright yellow satin dress she made for me at Easter time. And a beautiful red velvet ensemble she managed to finish just in time for Christmas Midnight Mass.
It seemed Mom could do it all! What ever we needed, what ever needed to get done or fixed, she did it!! Hey, she even re-appolstered our 8 dinning room chairs! Get this! With antique GOLD colored faux leather-like material! (No doubt she found that stuff on sale. Always mindful of stretching every last dollar!) Well, we used those chairs for another 30 years! A testimony to her durable skillful handiwork!
Mom was AMAZING!! She took great care of ALL of us!
Many years later, when the first signs of dementia started to show, the roles between Mom and I were reversed. I took over the cooking and cleaning, shopping and running errands. I helped her with everything she needed, which in time WAS everything. Mom now became dependent on me.
So in closing, I want to thank my Mamma for trusting IN ME to never let her down. It was an absolute privilege Mom and great honor to be given the opportunity to help you move through your Alzheimer's. You managed to do it with such grace and dignity. We had quite an adventure together these past few years! Our days were filled with lots of fun and oh so much laughter! I remember how we used to rock out listening to the music of Mana or Cat Stevens, the Gypsy Kings, David Bowie, many of my other favorite CD's that Joseph compiled for me. I would sing to you at the top of my voice and you would laugh and clap your hands! Well, that or roll your eyes at me! Mom, we managed to ride the waves together right to the very end! Thank you for giving me your unconditional love and, through example, teaching me how to do the same!
I love you Mamma and will miss you every day!
April^Dawn Gebheim
June 27, 2014
Much love and aloha being sent to the Martin Familia.
Praises be the Lord was kind in calling her gently home, in peace.
XX00
Liz & Kent Snyder
June 27, 2014
Dear Vivianna and family,
I'm so sorry for the loss of your dear mother. I'm glad she received the last rites and that she went peacefully.
She had a wonderful life and raised a great bunch of kids, who are a lasting legacy to her.
Here's to your mom,
may she rest in peace.
Love,
Flowers in memory of your loving mother.
Kris Blodget
June 26, 2014
Dear Vivianna and family,
Such a wonderful close family you have enjoyed, with such a talented mother and children! I'm so sorry for your loss, but you are lucky to be so close to a remarkable group of siblings who support each other. I did not have the good fortune to know your mother, but will look forward to seeing some of her artwork I have heard so much about, and hearing more stories about her when you return home. Meanwhile, our thoughts and sympathy are with you and your family this week, as it is too far away to be there is person. Love, Kris
Barbara Steinberg
June 26, 2014
May the blessings be
Barbara Steinberg
June 26, 2014
Dearest Olga
Peace loving kindness and tenderness and joy is how I will remember our friendship always and you were a second mother to me .i still have many holiday cards you sent me one with palm leaves on Palm Sunday . I will never forget how welcome you made me feel in your San Jose home with Michael eating your delicious home made ravioli
Always sending love and light
May the blessings be Barbara
June 25, 2014
Our dear Viv, Bob and family,
Mother Olga, - what a beautiful lady inside and out! Her life was one of love and faith, and this legacy of hers lives on in each of you. Every life that she and all of you have touched with her priceless gift has been and continues to be richly blessed. Ours certainly have been.
Lovingly, Roy and Marilee
Janine
June 25, 2014
Viv~~We send Boston hugs and love to you, your siblings, and family. I am very lucky and grateful to have met and shared some time with Olga, and to have known her so vividly through your letters, phone calls, and some fond stories with her and your siblings. Please know we are with everyone in loving spirit in remembering Dearest Olga this weekend.
With love, Janine
Becci Greene
June 24, 2014
as the seasons change
a leaf drifts to mother earth
beautiful in death
~Margaret Foster
Dear Viv, Jeanette, Rico, Dennis, Michael and Patrick,
Your mother was a darling. And so enriched those of us who had the good fortune to meet her. Carry the lovely bits around with you, in your hearts.
David Claypool
June 23, 2014
Viviana and Family, it is a sad time to see your beloved Mother move on to permanent retirement in the Home above. But I know she won't be very far away in your hearts and your memories. Having met and been a part of the extended Martin family for over 15 years, I see all the happiness that you share amongst yourselves and with others. She was obviously a great role model and inspiration for your living life to its fullest …the true Italian way! I know she will always love you the way you love her. Brother Dave
Christie Foster
June 23, 2014
Dearest Vivianna, Doug and I never had the pleasure of meeting your mother, but we have the pleasure of knowing you, one of the many extraordinary children she brought to earth and raised with exceptional grace. We have heard you speak of her many times and we know that she was loved and treasured by many. We wish all of the family and friends of Olga peace in light of her passing. A truly cherished woman. Doug and Christie Foster
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Jun
27
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5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary466 North Winchester Blvd, Santa Clara, CA 95050
Jun
27
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Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary466 North Winchester Blvd, Santa Clara, CA 95050
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