Esther H Martin

on July 19, 1933, in Buffalo NY where she grew up the daughter of Norwegian immigrants. The youngest of 4

sisters, she was the apple of her Father’s eye and the epitome of her precious Mother. Playing the piano by

ear from a young age, she played full time at church at the young age of 16 and sang in a trio with her sisters

Margaret and Beatrice at The Metropolitan Chapel of Buffalo NY including weekly television presentations.

Esther married Douglas Charles Martin of Kitchener, Ontario Canada on August 9, 1952, at the young age of 19,

and was married to Douglas until her passing (72 years and 5 months). She worked in administrative roles

before becoming a dedicated Mother and unsung hero to Esther Sharon Robinson, Robert Eric Martin and

Gordon Charles Martin. Supporting her family as Doug’s career with the Singer company progressed included

moves to Glastonbury CT, Bridgewater NJ and Wheaton IL. Immediately connecting with Church, Schools and

neighbors, Esther established the home quickly and was an anchor through change.

She went back into an administrative role at Calvary Temple church, Naperville IL for 15 + years retiring from

the work role she passionately fulfilled as that church grew rapidly. Moving to Fairfield Glade TN provided the

opportunity to enjoy her love of music, warmer weather and the hills of Tennessee.

Esther is survived by her loving husband Douglas Charles Martin, her 3 children, 6 grandchildren and 13 great

grandchildren: Esther Martin Robinson (Stephan Mark Robinson), Robert Eric Martin (Nancy Alice Martin),

Gordon Charles Martin (Michele Baker Martin), 6 grandchildren and their spouses: Rachel Robinson Hahn

(George Hahn), Erik Charles Martin (Colette Martin), Sarah Robinson Barbera (Aaron Barbera), Ryan Douglas

Martin (Amanda Martin), Shelby Nicole Barlow (Chapman Barlow), Ashley Michele Cranfield (Jake Cranfield) ;

Great Grandchildren; Parker Barlow, Mason Martin, Mathew Barbera, Chapman Barlow, Emerie Martin, Hanah

Barbera, Brooks Cranfield, Blakely Cranfield, Maxwell Martin, Foster Barlow, Jalen Martin, Peyton Cranfield

and Daniel Hahn.

Esther was preceded in death by her parents William Robert Hagen and Esther Mailda Hagen, and her sisters

Eleanor Viola Hagen, Beatrice Ruth Bowman and Margaret Elvira Challgren

The family would like to thank Sandra Johnson for the care and compassion she showed our loved one in their

final days.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life at Crab Orchard Christian Church 217 Wheeler

Lane, Crab Orchard, Tennessee 37723 on Friday February 7th at 3:00 PM. Visitation with the family following

Celebration of Life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Esther’s honor to Crab Orchard Christian Church (see

http://craborchardchristianchurch.org ) and or Crossville Mission Bible Training Center (see

https://www.crossvillembtc.com/ )