Obituary of Juanita J. Martin

June 11, 1925 – March 9, 2018

Juanita J. Martin.  Age 92 of Southgate.

Beloved wife of the late Robert F. Martin.   Loving mother of June Elizabeth (Ed) Kakoczki, Carol F. (Dave) Demeter and Mary Kaye (John) Konkel.  Dearest grandmother of Julie (Doug) Kearney, Jennifer (Mike) Kean, Rob (Erin) Kakoczki, John (Amanda) Kakoczki, Danny (Jen) Kakoczki, Angie (Ken) Booth, David Demeter, Katie Demeter, Allison Konkel, Emily Konkel, Sara Konkel and Dana Konkel.  Great grandmother of Brendon Kearney, Ryann Kearney, Reagan Kearney, Natalie Kean, Camden Kean, Brayden Kakoczki, Maddax Kakoczki, Madison Kakoczki, Riley Kakoczki, Lincoln Kakoczki, Kellen Kakoczki, Andrew Booth and Jacob Booth.  Preceded in death by daughter Marjorie Barrett and son-in-law Glen Barrett.

FAMILY TRIBUTE

There are so many words to describe Mimi, and what she meant to her 12 grandkids and 13 great-grandkids, that you could fill an Encyclopedia.  I know I am dating myself as one of the ‘Older Grandkids.’  One thing is for sure, no matter where you fall in the order, she was always one of the first to come meet you at the hospital and welcome you into the family.  She loved to rock and sing to each one of us.  Some needed a bit more rocking and a bit louder singing than others.  Each one of us were taught early that Family was most important, that we were all put on this earth for a purpose, and that we always had Mimi’s love and support.  

We all knew her as the Loving, Faithful, Devoted, Social Matriarch.   She would never turn down an opportunity to come cheer us on at a game, or watch us in a concert or gather for monthly family parties.  She was always ready to entertain with candy, cookies, fake fruit and her box of wine in the fridge.  She would swear that wine would evaporate in there.  Many of us remember getting dropped off at Mimi’s on Saturday night, we thought it was so our parents could go out for the evening.  The real reason was that was Mimi’s way to make sure we all made it to Sunday School in the morning.  She was a great woman of Faith.  Through all the losses in her life, she always kept her head high, her eyes to the Lord, and her focused on those around her. 
   
We all knew her as an Independent, Smart, Wise and Funny woman who led by example.  She always had a way of describing each one of us in a way that made us feel special, she made us feel like she was always looking out for us.  She was always a person we could go to for honest, simple advice.  She might have been disappointed in a choice we made, but she never focused on that.  She always focused on making sure how to learn from it and move forward.  She had a patience and ease about her that was like a beacon to all those around her.  Her mind was so sharp and filled with so many stories.  She remembered every name and date and event.  

We will always be honored to be called Mimi’s kids. We will forever remember her smile and the sparkle in her eye when she looked at each and every one of us.  We will remember the love, patience and acceptance we felt in her presence. We will remember to always keep family first and to share her stories, wisdom and love with each other.  

She will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. We love you Mimi!
 

Memorial contributions are appreciated to Woodhaven Baptist Church, 21950 Gudith Road, Woodhaven, MI  48183.