Geraldine Martin

1921 - 2025

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, Geraldine (Gerry) "Mimi" Martin, who passed peacefully at her home, as she wished.
A lifelong resident of Santa Rosa, Geraldine lived to the remarkable age of 104. Born May 27, 1921, to William James Harris and Zella Zoe George. The Harris family were Sonoma County pioneers arriving in the 1860s. The George family were pioneers of Oregon and moved to Sonoma County in the early 1900s. Samuel Harris, her great-great-great-grandfather, a Veteran of the War of 1812, is buried in the Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery. As a young girl, she worked in her mother's grocery store on McConnell Ave. She recalled standing on a stool behind the counter, as young as eight.
Her married life included many summers at their Lake Pillsbury cabin. She was also active in her children's schools, serving as PTA president at Lincoln Elementary School on Davis Street in the late 1940s. She also worked in the school HeadStart program for many years.
Together with her husband, she was deeply involved in all of her children's activities.
She was a true matriarch, always ready to listen, lend a helping hand, planning and cooking family dinners, making endless holiday treats, and hosting the annual Easter gathering held at her home for more than 55 years.
She completed the newspaper crossword puzzle daily, played bridge, and her last game of golf with her golf group in her mid-90s at Wikiup Golf course.
She will be remembered as a gracious woman of resilience who lived her life simply with a positive outlook.
Geraldine was predeceased by her husband, Delmar (Del) Martin; her son, Gary Martin; her granddaughters, Melissa (Lisa) Martin and Julie Ann Dashiell, and her brothers Oren Harris, George Harris, and Eugene Service.
She is survived by her daughters, Carolyn Shinabargar (Norm) and Yvonne (Bonnie) Martin (David); her grandchildren, Sean Martin (Marie), Joye Benck (Marty), Denise Taylor (Jim), Matt Garayalde, Larry Dashiell, and Joe Martin, as well as 15 great-grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to her caregiver, Roma, and to the many friends and family who surrounded her with love and happiness.
A private memorial will be held for the family.