Esther Emma Martin

Esther Emma (Halsey) Martin, 94, of Gaylord, Michigan passed away in the presence of loved ones and staff on July 5, 2023, at Orchard Creek Supportive Care, in Traverse City, Michigan. She was born on December 1, 1928, one of seven siblings in Troy, Michigan, to the late Samuel and Ida Halsey. Esther was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 62 years, Robert Martin; their love story starting at a dance hall in Big Beaver.  She is also preceded in death by her sisters Ida Halsey, Isabel (Halsey) Baker, Ruth (Halsey) Bartley, her brother, Samuel Halsey, and several dear sister and brother in-laws.

Esther is survived by her loving sons, David (Helen) Martin of Traverse City, MI, and Duane (Terri) Martin of Gaylord, MI, as well as six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters Anne (Halsey) Bise and Martha (Halsey) Curry, and several loved nieces and nephews.

Esther graduated from Big Beaver High School in Troy, Michigan. She had a diverse career, working as a data processor for Burroughs, secretarial work at the Herald Times and a school baker at Gaylord Public Schools. She also volunteered working at the Otsego Lake Township elections for many years, R.S.V.P., and was a dedicated member of First United Methodist Church in Gaylord, Michigan, where she worshiped.

In her free time, Esther enjoyed gardening and feeding birds, squirrels, and any little critter that wandered her way. She was an avid card player in her Pinochle club, which was a group of her dear girlfriends, organized Bingo, Euchre, and Michigan Rummy with her grandkids. Esther loved adventures and had traveled to all parts of the United States, except Rhode Island. She especially enjoyed camping and cruising with dear friends. Her specialty was baking lemon meringue pie and molasses cookies. Esther was an excellent host, always making sure no one left hungry and sending her loved one’s home with many leftovers and fresh-baked cookies. Most of all, Esther loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She loved life, and it loved her right back.  How blessed we are to have someone in our life that makes saying good-bye so hard. 

A visitation for Esther will be held at the Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service, located at 850 North Center Avenue, Gaylord, MI, 49735 on Sunday, July 16, 2023, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. A celebration of life will take place at First United Methodist Church, 215 S. Center Avenue, Gaylord, MI, 49735 on Monday, July 17, 2023, at 1:00 p.m.  Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Gaylord.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Hospice of Michigan, 10850 E. Traverse Hwy #1155, Traverse City, MI  49684, or First United Methodist Church, 215 S. Center Avenue, Gaylord, MI 49735.

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