Shirley Jean Martell

Shirley Jean Martell Passed away on Saturday February 25, 2006 surrounded by family; her husband, William Martell; and her children, Patricia Ann (Jerry) Brown, Jeanne Fay Voyles, Jon Paul Voyles, and Gregory Lynn Voyles, all of Tucson. Shirley was born in Highwood, IL, November 28, 1926. She was preceded in death by her father, William Spellman; and mother, Dena Palmieri; and brother, William Spellman, Jr; and her beloved step-mother, Zeta Spellman whom she referred to as mom and her saving grace. She grew up around the Chicago area and some of her fondest memories were working in a diner during World War II, dancing to big band music at Fort Sheridan and taking the train into Chicago to see Frank Sinatra. She won many jitter bug dance contests in her day. She moved from Chicago to Olney a small town in southern Illinois, where she raised her four children and was a stay at home mom. The Voyles home was a place for all of the children's friends to congregate for fun and Mom's fabulous cooking! Her home was always welcome to all! She moved to Tucson in the Fall of 1976 and married William " Bill" Martell. They were married almost 30 years. Together they started their own landscaping business, Bills Tree and Yard Service. Up until one week before her death, she was still providing customer service and was the feisty voice behind the phone. She embraced and loved the Tucson culture learning how to country swing, folkloric dance and loved a night out on the town with her family eating Mexican food and listening to mariachi music. Although she never retired, Shirley and Bill spent many fun-filled times traveling in their motorhome with their travel group the Elks Lodge "385 Outcasts", traveling to parts of Arizona and Mexico. Trips also included Telluride, CO with family for the annual Bluegrass Festival. Already an avid card player she ventured out many nights to Casino Del Sol for a round of poker at the tables. There she met new friends and made connections with people from around the country. Shirley also had a passion for reading which included historical novels and reading the paper everyday. Up until a year ago she walked daily. She was a member of St. Cyril of Alexandria Catholic Church for 28 years and over that time the people of St. Cyril's of Alexandria were like a family to her. She attended the 9:00 a.m. mass on Sunday with her children and grandchildren, where the music provided her inspiration. She cooked her famous "funeral dish" (Italian pasta) at least a 100 times for funeral luncheons at the church. She participated in Operation Hospitality feeding the homeless during winter months. She had a deep faith that was a comfort to her until the end. One of her greatest joys in life was her grandchildren, April and Michael Voyles, Olney, IL and Eric Wayne (Tawny) Knight, Rose FayLin Voyles, Mei Jean Voyles; and her great-grandchildren, Celina Juliann Crisp and Taylor Ann Knight, all of Tucson. She gave them love wisdom, laughter, taught them how to give to others and most of all she gave them her time. Reading them books and sharing many stories about her life. Please join family and friends in celebrating her life at St. Cyril of Alexandria Catholic Church (Swan and Pima) on Monday, March 6th at 10:30 a.m., followed by a lunch at Nicholson Hall (St. Cyril Church) we invite those who wish to bring their favorite dish to share. Food may be taken to Nicholson Hall prior to the funeral service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Vincent De Paul (St. Cyril Church) an organization providing food and support for those families in need or the St. Cyril School Scholarship Fund. Donations may be sent in memory of Shirley Martell to St. Cyril Church, 4725 E. Pima St, Tucson, AZ 85712.