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1949
2012
September 27, 1949 to October 5, 2012
"And I shall hear, tho' soft you tread above me
And all my dreams will warm and sweeter be
If you'll not fail to tell me that you love me
I'll simply sleep in peace until you come to me"
In an unexpected split second of time a beloved wife, mother, nana and friend was lost to heart failure.
Theresa Ann Wilbur was born in Pasco, Washington to Claude and Arlene Wilbur, their youngest daughter of 11 children. Tessy, to her family, was raised in Anacortes Washington and graduated from Anacortes High school in 1968.
Theresa was united in marriage in June 20, 1969 to her true love Ronald W. Martin of Mt.Vernon. First meeting when they were 16 years old Theresa and Ron were married for 43 years. They shared their lives overlooking the sunsets of Padilla Bay in Bayview, Washington where they raised two children Michelle and Owen.
Theresa was one of the lucky people who knew the contentment of finding your life's calling which to her was being a mother and grandmother. She was as gentle as a lamb unless a child was in need, a person who kept friends for life, she kept a timeless youth with her innocence of heart but a rock of stability for those she loved. Whether camping with friends, traveling on cruise ships with family or taking care of her grandchildren she was there to watch over all.
Not only survived by her family Theresa has left an empty spot in so many hearts of life long friends who will miss her continuous smiles, love for fun, and cooking. She enjoyed filling her empty nest by becoming a Nanny and surrounding herself with children but found true happiness and pride with her four grandchildren Jackie, Zachary, Sean and Cole.
Theresa is survived by her husband Ron, daughter and family Michelle Martin-Tomkins, Pat, Sean and Cole Tomkins; son and family Owen Martin, Christina Watts, Jackie and Zachary Martin; surviving siblings Mildred Hilliard, Olive Ruff, Dave Wilbur, Irene Hickman, Claude Jr Wilbur, Arlene Gaeth, Ray Wilbur; sister in law Janice Rutan. Preceded in death by parents Claude and Arlene Wilbur; sisters Margie Martin, Claudine Dye, brother Norman Wilbur; mother in law Jerry Martin.
A celebration of Theresa's life will be held November 10, 2012, 2 pm, at the Bayview Community Center and May of 2013 at Yakama Nation. Please bring your favorite photos to share on our memory wall. To share memories of Theresa online, please sign the guest register at www.hawthornefh.com.
A heart that loved so many so deeply will be missed always.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
To the Martin and Wilbur Family: I was shocked and sad to hear of Tess passing. I remember all of us playing at the 6th Street house in Anacortes. Tess always had a smile and a cheerful approach. I know you will miss her dearly. Just wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Rick Latham
November 4, 2012
Ron, Michelle , Owen-
I know you have not heard from me in eons but I wanted to tell you how incredible Tessie was. Archie introduced Travis & I to your incredible family. Tessie was the the light in your harbor with her smile that lit up any room she graced. The world has lost a wonderful person but God has another incredible Angel. Sincerely-
Joanie Nagatani
October 17, 2012
Ron, Michelle and Owen...I am still in shock over Theresa's passing. I have been thinking of you and hoping you will be okay. I'm trying to think of the last time I saw you guys. I know it's been quite awhile and I can't believe I won't see Theresa's smiling face again. She was so very special and I always admired her friendly, caring and giving ways, not to mention that wonderful smile. Please take care...my heart goes out to you.
L,
Marilyn Hedblom Martinsen
October 16, 2012
Ronnie and Family: I was so sorry to hear of Theresa's passing. My heart goes out to you all. Seems like I always ran into you two at the grocery store, and it was so much fun to greet each other and try to catch up in a hurry! Theresa remembered me when both of my parents passed away and was always so caring and warm to everyone. Ronnie and I go back to our childhood and I thank Ronnie for bringing Theresa into the Martin Family. I love you Ronnie, we have a lot of history together with our families growing up.
Sally Straathof
October 15, 2012
You have my deepest sympathy. May good memories provide solace
for your family during this challenging time;
and may God provide you with the assurance that you will see
your loved one again in Paradise. John 17:3
Linda
October 15, 2012
Ron and family
Condolences on the loss of Theresa. I don't think I have seen either of you since our trip to the race track in eastern, Washington over forty years ago. She rode with me and you rode with “the guys”. I got the better deal! Very sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kevin Loy
Kevin Loy
October 15, 2012
I went to school with Teresa in Junior High and high school.. I always enjoyed her smile and her laughter. We went to slumber parties together and she came to my birthday party once. We used to both live near Bayview and I would see her once in awhile. I saw her just a few months ago at the grocery store. IT must be awful for you all to have her gone so suddenly. I know she loved you all as that is all she talked about.
October 15, 2012
Claude and family: I didn't know Tessy but I want to send you my condolences. It is not easy to lose a loved one and if there is anything at all I can do please let me know.
Nancy Peck-Kratzer
Nancy Peck-Kratzer
October 13, 2012
Ron, Michelle, Owen and Family:
I have such wonderful memories of Theresa. I loved spending time during my childhood at your house. Theresa was so much fun and her smile would light up the room. Her laugh was contagious! All of us girls had so much fun together!
I had a nice talk with her a few years ago and it was so nice to talk to her. She had given me a call to see how I was doing as well as my mom was doing whom was ill at the time. Her and my mother had lunch shortly after our talk and my mom was so happy to see her and spend time with her. Theresa was so supportive of everyone. Such a nice person.
Theresa was always so welcoming to Michelle's friends when they came to visit. My heart breaks for all of you and my family is thinking about all of you and praying for you. Love, Melissa Gaines and family
Melissa Gaines
October 13, 2012
I was a classmate of Teresa's. The very eloquent and loving words in her obituary describe perfectly the kind and shy girl I remember who could light up a room with her infectious smile. I can still remember quite clearly a presentation Teresa gave in speech class our senior year. She spoke about her family heritage.... she followed the teacher's instructions for content and organization while still enthusing it with her own passion and personality. It was a perfectly executed speech.
My sincerest condolences to her entire family.
Bob Thomas
October 13, 2012
I met Theresa at Math Summer School, between my transition from Island View Elementary and Anacortes Central Jr. High ~ from child to young adult. We hit it off immediately and spent that summer and the next 7 years back and forth from one of our homes to the other. Her Mom and Dad were always so good to me, as well as her sister Arlene and her brother Ray (who became good friends with my brother Mitchell.
Memories
~ the Jr. High gym during lunch. Ms. Petula Clark singing over the speakers, “Downtown”. Theresa running across the floor, arms open, embracing the air and just the wonderfulness of being 13.
~ PE class and the President's Council on Fitness – Theresa a willing partner in those exercises, helping me complete the 50 sit-ups required by pulling my legs, all the while avoiding the watchful eyes of Mrs. Hildebrand. The 50 yard dash I was on my own. She loved P.E. and ran faster than anyone I knew.
Theresa had the most beautiful sparkling brown eyes I'd ever seen and her dimpled smile was warm and genuine.
My sincere thoughts are with Ron, Michelle and Owen and the entire Wilbur and Martin family.
Love, Karen Schwabe-Lunde
Karen Schwabe-Lunde
October 12, 2012
To my beloved sister"Tessy". A model of enjoyment to be around and with, always a smile to make you feel appreciated and great inside. Her friends were your friends around the camp fire where many family and innocent stories were passed on to all with enjoyment and laughs for all.
P.S. Her cooking was unsurpassed and a treat to everyone on our camp outs She'll never be forgotten.
Our love always,
J.R. and JoAnn Wilbur
October 11, 2012
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