Mary Lucille Martin's Obituary
Mary Lucille (Brown) Martin at 97 years old passed into the next life on May 7, 2025. She was lovingly surrounded in her last moments by her husband Jim, her son Dennis, the extended family of her deceased son Jeff and in a very special and loving way by her very dear friends Holly Miller and Stacey Wesley who cared for her 24 hours a day in her home of Canadian Lakes where she wished to spend her last days.
Mary was a well-respected piano teacher who taught piano for over 70 years (mostly in Corunna MI). Hundreds and hundreds of students remember her with the deepest affection. One mother of previous students wrote: “Equally valuable were the free weekly counseling sessions…the dozens of students you provided encouragement, support, a listening ear and so much love for each and every week,” that is, along with and accompanied by the lessons she provided life-wisdom for countless individuals. Mary was also a devoted church organist for a number of churches.
One of her salient characteristics was her non-discriminatory love for anyone, and I mean any and everyone who “ambiently” came into her life in whatever "form or fashion.” In this she is a model for all.
Some of her friends wanted me to recall that she was a gifted hidden “poet” whose poems they hope to see published someday.
Mary was an afficionado of scrabble and had her small scrabble club right up to the last days of her life.
A very special thanksgiving must be given to Hospice of Michigan who provided her with so much generous, loving and effective home care.
There are so many characteristics and virtues that have been celebrated by her friends that I will leave for the condolence messages.
She is survived by her husband Pastor James Martin, son Father Dennis Brown, OMV, daughter Charla Gae, nieces and nephews, grandchildren, great and great-great grandchildren
Mary is predeceased by her parents L.E. and Lulabelle Carpenter, her former husband Charlie Jay Brown, her son Jeffrey Jay Brown, her 3 sisters Rose, Aleen, Lulabelle, and her brother David.
A memorial service will be scheduled for July 10th at Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Big Rapids. Suggested memorials in loving memory and honor of Mary are: to support a person(s) who can’t afford music lessons.
What’s your fondest memory of Mary?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mary?
Share a story where Mary's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mary you’ll never forget.
How did Mary make you smile?