SHIRLEY A. MARTIN
August 30, 1932 ˜ March 6, 2020
Shirley Ann (Shupe) Martin was born in Portland, Oregon on August 30, 1932. She attended Grant High School and graduated from University of Oregon with honors in her majors: Education and Music. She obtained a Masters in English Literature and Graduate degree from Portland State University.
Shirley’s teaching career started in Astoria, Oregon and lead to her teaching part-time in Grants Pass, Oregon. She spent the majority of her career as a teacher at Washougal High School, where she taught English for more than 25 years.
Throughout her adult life, Shirley was an accomplished pianist and organist at many churches. She found joy in sharing her piano skills by teaching children of all ages.
She loved traveling abroad, having visited and explored Europe many times. Shirley also relished visiting the Oregon coast. She was an avid reader and active in many book clubs over the course of her life, cultivating her passion for literature. Shakespeare was her favorite author having read and taught his works to many students over the years. The Shakespeare Festival in Ashland was an event she looked forward to sharing with her students almost every year. She enjoyed attending the symphony, musicals, plays, and an occasional opera. In retirement, she also pursued learning new languages and met one of her best and most cherished friends in a German class.
Shirley is survived by her husband, John E. Martin. Shirley and John met when he was a pastor and she the organist at the Christian Disciples of Christ Church in Vancouver, Washington. They were lifelong sweethearts, having been married for over 60 years. She is also survived by her four loving children, Karl, Karina, Kyle and Kevin; three grandchildren, Jordan, Emily, and Isabelle; as well as her son-in-law, Randy; and grandson-in-law, Sean.
Please sign her guest book @ www.columbian.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Dear John,
I was saddened to learn of the loss of your lifelong love. We extend our condolences to you Karl, Karina, Kyle, Kevin and their families.
That Oregon news article captures her passion for teaching, music, drama, and travel. May her gifts and accomplishments add comfort to each of you. She found joy in what she loved.
Cliff and I hold dear the sharing of special times with you and Shirley: getting acquainted, the excitement and blessing of our shared granddaughters. Though disappointments sadden, we move forward with hope and faith. May you and family be comforted through your faith in Gods Grace.
With Aloha,
Clifford and Maud Chang
Maud Chang
June 23, 2020
I admired Shirley's intelligence and love of family. Also she was the rare individual who had such a breadth of knowledge, from music to investing to writing to teaching. She was inspiring. Sending John and her children my sincere condolences.
March 18, 2020
She introduced me to West Side Story as a freshman. I checked out the album (this is the late 70's) and it is still one of my favorite musicals. I remember her laugh and enthusiasm. God bless
Gena
Student
March 18, 2020
She was my high School teacher in the late 80s.
March 16, 2020
Ms. Martin was an awesome teacher. She challenged me for more even when I was acing one of her classes. She definitely was one of the teachers in your life that make an impression that stays with you. Thank you Ms. Martin!
Melea Sundby
Student
March 16, 2020
Mrs. Martin was a great teacher.
Loretta Greening-Farris
March 16, 2020
I was always glad to work with Shirley both an as an accompanist and as a singer. She was exacting and very professional.
Lee Jennings
March 15, 2020
I was glad to get to know Shirley better by offering her rides to a Bible study group. She kept the conversation lively by offering her opinion or differing view. She was a woman of faith who became emotional when she shared how important Jesus was in her life. I will miss her wisdom.
Trudy Orth
Friend
March 15, 2020
I enjoyed hearing Shirley play for all the musicals at WHS.
March 15, 2020
Shirley was so talented as an organist and accompanist. I feel very honored to have some of her organ music, shared by a mutual friend. Rest in peace.
Gary Ritter
March 15, 2020
She was at all times a professional teacher and insisted on quality writing skills. I was much better prepared for college having had Mrs. Martin as a teacher.
Timothy Cobb
Student
March 15, 2020
She was an amazing teacher, who made a positive impact in so many lives, mine included. Mrs. Martin always showed so much patience with her students, and I will always remember her smile. Thank you to her family, for sharing her with so many.
Renée Zubieta
Student
March 15, 2020
So sorry to read about Shirley making her way to heaven. I worked at WHS for many years with Shirley and then followed her as organist at the Methodist church in Camas. I can hear that wonderful laugh right now. Rest in peace, Shirley.
Chris Alver
March 15, 2020
We love you, Mrs. Martin. Thank you for dedicating your life to opening young minds and for doing it in Washougal.
Eric McGrath
March 15, 2020
Mrs. Martin was my favorite teacher. She was kind, yet tough. She challenged our class on racial beliefs, and pushed us to do our best. I am grateful to have been one of her students. RIP Mrs. Martin.
March 15, 2020
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