Marie Martinez

Marie Lorraine (Bowlby) Martinez, 77, passed away suddenly at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Thursday, October 28, 2021. Marie was born on September 23, 1944, in Paw Paw, Michigan. She was the eldest of four children of Lyle and Virginia (Peterson) Bowlby. Marie and her siblings were raised in Lawton, Michigan, being taught how to follow life's rules. She grew up close to her grandparents home and often had family meals together. Marie also spent much of her childhood in Baldwin, camping with cousins and extended family. Graduating in 1962 from Lawton High School, she soon began her own family with a son and two daughters. Following closely in her mother's footsteps, Marie was left a young widow in 1980, at the age of 35. To provide a better life for her children Marie chose to further her education, becoming a Registered Nurse in 1986. She worked several different positions and shifts at her local nursing home in Lawton, Michigan until she retired. During this transition in her life, she met Santos Martinez. They began dating and Marie soon knew she would spend the rest of her life with Santos. Marie and Santos made a comfortable life together in their home in Lawton. They eventually agreed to make their relationship the most secure it could be and were married in a small ceremony at their home on November 2, 2007. Marie was preceeded in death by her parents, lyle and Virginia, brother Albert and sister Sharon. She is survived by her husband, Santos, son James Cunningham, daughter Julie (David) Stanfill, daughter Jill Alsup, sister Judy (Doug) Rambo, aunt Velma Davis, 8 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren. Visitation will be on Tuesday, November 2, 2021, from 2-4pm, at Adam's Funeral Home, 502 W Michigan Ave, Paw Paw, MI 49079. Services will begin at 4pm. A late luncheon will immediately follow at the Martinez Barn.