Hildegard Constance Martin

MARTIN, Connie (Hildegard Constance Brown) Connie was born in a blizzard March 5, 1920, to Cornelius Brown and Helga Ostlie Brown in Montevideo, Minnesota. Hilde (as she was called until she was 18) joined older brothers, Leonard and Clifford, and older sister, Ruby. Her father “Con” worked as a fireman and carpenter for The Milwaukee Railroad and her mother was a homemaker. She grew up surrounded by family and friends, including both sets of grandparents who emigrated from Norway with her parents. She graduated from high school in Montevideo in 1938. She began college at Mankato State and finished at the University of Minnesota’s Fairview Hospital School of Nursing in Minneapolis, receiving her Registered Nursing degree. When the U.S. entered World War II, Connie joined the Army Air Corps as a Nurse, earning the rank of Captain. She served in the West, taking care of soldiers returning from the Pacific Theater. Upon her discharge from the Army in Spokane, she met Richard Martin, who had been in the Army in Europe. They were married November 27, 1946 and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. After she was married, she worked as a nurse in Dr. Stuart’s office. When her daughters came along, she became a homemaker and made a wonderful, warm, and inviting home on both W. 20th Avenue and the Valley’s Davis Rd. She went back to work as an RN for Good Samaritan Nursing Home and then as head nurse of the orthopedic and surgery departments at Spokane Valley General Hospital from its opening day until her retirement in 1985. Many doctors and patients gave her credit for diagnosing serious problems and aiding in their recovery. After her retirement, she volunteered for the Hospital Auxiliary and served as the president. After she and Dick retired they traveled all over the US, visiting friends and relatives. She traveled to Norway and found the farm where her mother was born. She also traveled to Switzerland, Netherlands, Germany, France, and Belgium. Her lifelong love of sports began with attending Minnesota baseball games with her father. She followed the Spokane Indians and the Seattle Mariners. She and Dick were loyal fans of the WSU Cougars. She had season tickets for many years, and attended 1998 and 2003 Rose Bowl games. She also cheered for the Seattle Seahawks and went to their training camps in Cheney. Bloomsday was an annual event, whether as a participant or first aid station nurse. In the 2017 race, she won 2nd place in the over 90 category. She served her Lord and Savior, at first in Montevideo at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, then in Spokane at St. Mark’s, Good Shepherd, and Advent Lutheran Churches. At 89, she was still helping with Vacation Bible School. Connie’s and Dick opened their home to all, including an exchange student from Norway. Connie provided daycare for her youngest grandson. Neighbor children would stop by, knowing they could count on her for a listening ear, comforting smile, and often a freshly baked cookie. Her cooking and baking had quite a reputation. She was a legendary huckleberry picker and surprised friends with bowls of “slicers” she had picked. As late as the age of 94 she was baking lemon meringue pies as gifts and donations for silent auctions. Christmas in her home was a special treat with many Norwegian delicacies and fabulous aromas wafting from her kitchen. Preceding her in death were her husband, parents, brothers and sister. She is survived by her two daughters: Jody (Tom) McClellan, and Barb Potter; 4 grandchildren: Ryan (Debbie) McClellan, Jamie (Jason) Johnson, and Heidi McClellan of Colorado, and Alan Potter of Spokane; and 6 great-grandchildren: Maya, Keillor, Lorna, Silas, Ezra, and Cora. Serving and giving to all her family and friends gave her great joy and happiness. Her loving and thoughtful ways will be missed. “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” A memorial service will be planned for early spring.