Jean Martinique

Jean Martinique, 85 Local Artist, Musician, Teacher 07/14/1924 ~ 09/01/2009 VISTA --Jean Martinique passed away in her home on Tuesday, September 1, 2009, after a courageous 11 year struggle with a debilitating neuromuscular disease. She will be remembered as being a free spirit with many God- given gifts, which were always used to reach out to others, even in the midst of her illness. Jean was born on July 14, 1924, in Denver, Colo., and moved to California in 1941 to attend the University of California, Berkeley. Jean also worked as Head of Payroll for the California office of the US Department of Agriculture. She was married in 1945, and settled in Riverside, Calif., where she lived for 26 years. During those years Jean raised four children, and acted as an "adopted mom" to three others. Jean worked part-time as a play therapist for a local psychologist. She also was an active member in the Riverside Folk Song Society, performed in the Harmonettes, a local vocal ensemble, and the Riverside Community Playhouse. She was also active in her young family's school activities, to include a Brownie troop. Jean also worked as a consultant for Riverside County Schools, Riverside Parks and Recreation, and as a special education teacher. Jean moved to Vista, Calif., in 1971 to be close to her mother. Jean loved her home and life in Vista, finally finding an outlet to be able to express her creative interests. Jean taught guitar and autoharp in her home, as well as having an in-home studio, "Abaculus Art-Tile Studio," where she created tile mosaics on commission. Jean also opened a store, "Art Tiles by Jean," which showcased her tile mosaics. Her works are in many homes throughout the country, as well as in two local churches. Jean was active in Artist Equity, the North County Folk Song Society, and co-chaired a musical ensemble at the Vista Unitarian Church. She worked for four years as a music instructor for National University's elementary school programs. Jean is survived by a former husband, Lee Gladden; four children, Mark Gladden, Sue Wood, Rick Stone, and Jack Stone; nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Jean's life will be celebrated in a memorial service for family and friends. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jean's memory to the American Red Cross and KPBS-San Diego. Sign the Guest Book online obits.nctimes.com