Hannelore "Lori" Martin

September 02, 1943 - March 25, 2009

Hannelore "Lori" Martin Obituary Hannelore, or ?Lori? to her friends, came into the world during a difficult time and place in history. She was born in 1943 in Kaiserlautern, Germany to Oskar Kuther and Maria Adler during a bomb raid. She was born prematurely. Her twin did not survive birth. She grew up in post war poverty, but always felt the support of a warm loving family. She was raised by her mother and older brothers and sister after the premature passing of her father. In her late teens she married a U.S. soldier and had two sons. She moved to the United States and became a naturalized citizen. In 1972 she moved to Spokane where she sank her roots. At that time she moved into the home that she would spend the rest of her life in. In the early 80?s she found herself divorced raising two teenage boys. For all the trials and tribulations that has to offer, she survived the experience. Hannelore worked hard her whole life. She spent over 30 years at the North Spokane Women?s Clinic. She always subscribed to the puritan work ethic of ?work hard and save?. She led a frugal life style, yet Hannelore was always generous when it came to others. If ever a family member or close friend was in need, she was always there. She would give the last of what she had to help out someone else with never a thought of repayment. Just one of many examples of her giving is the time a family friend was out of a job during particularly difficult economic times and could barely buy groceries. Hannelore bought and wrapped Christmas gifts for the family?s three children. Despite the difficult times the parents were having, the kids were insulated from knowing anything was wrong. No one ever knew about the gesture until decades later when the kids were grown, economic times were better and the recipient confided it in a tale of gratitude. Christmas was her favorite time of year. In 1982 she met Phil Martin. They courted and married. They have been inseparable ever since. Fortunately for the couple, the new Brady bunch of nine kids were all grown and out of the house. She finally got daughters. Hannelore loved life, animals and her family & friends. There has never been a more devoted wife, mother and friend. She could do anything - garden, can, bake, cook, knit, crochet, sew, woodwork, wheat weave - you name it. She loved to travel. No one ever left Hannelore?s house hungry; she loved to feed people. The title Hannelore wore most proudly was ?Oma?. She loved her grandkids and they loved her. She was the matriarch of the family. She was adored by her husband, sons, adopted daughters , daughter-in-laws and grandchildren. She was always happy to give advice, solicited or not, and was the personification of unconditional love. The lord took her from us far sooner than any of us were ready for. She will be missed by all that knew her and loved her. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, April 1st at 1:00 pm at Heritage Funeral Home.