Jaquelyn M. Martinez

Jaquelyn (Jackie) Martinez passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 19, 2020. We extend our deepest gratitude to The Springs for allowing us to spend time in person with her during her final days, so that a family member was able to be with her when she passed. Jackie was born in Denver on June 8, 1921, the daughter of Fred K. and Aleece (Jaquet) Hauck. She graduated from Grosse Pointe High School and went on to earn her BA from Hillsdale College, where she met her first husband, Ronald H. Buck, a pilot in the US Air Force, who was shot down over Germany during World War II. They had a son, Ronald Buck, whom Jackie raised as a single mother while she worked as a teacher and principal in St. Clair Shores. In 1946, Jackie married the love of her life, Philip Martinez, a Navy veteran who served during WWII. Their marriage of 67 years was the highlight of both of their lives. Philip adopted Ronald Buck, and he and Jackie had three other children: Philip, Christina, and Margaret. A devoted wife and mother, Jackie’s unconditional love for her family shone through at every birthday and holiday celebration she created. She didn’t just wrap a gift; she wrote rhyming clues for a treasure hunt to find it! As her children grew older, Jackie re-entered the field of education, earning her Master’s Degree at Western Michigan University. Working first in the Head Start program, and then as a teacher in the Kalamazoo Public Schools, Jackie touched the lives of countless students until her retirement in 1986. Jackie had the gift of seeing life through the eyes of a child, which made her a master teacher. A gifted storyteller, Jackie could silence the noisiest classroom with the words, “Once upon a time…“ Jackie’s trademark smile could brighten any room, and when it was trained on you, it made your day. A consummate diplomat, she could negotiate peace between students, as well as among her own children and grandchildren. Jackie was a lifelong learner who read voraciously (her children used to joke that she read every brochure and newsletter that came in the mail). She was well-versed in classic literature, she loved poetry, which she could recite from memory, and she never missed an issue of The New Yorker. Jackie had a reverence for the English language and would gently correct her children when necessary. She stayed up to date on the latest news about technology, even learning how to use an iPad when she was in her early 90s. She was an excellent cook and baker, she loved embroidery and quilting, and she enjoyed gardening and doing all sorts of household projects. Above all, Jackie loved being surrounded by her family, and was happiest when she was with her husband, children, son-in-law, and grandchildren. When asked to describe their Grandmother, Jackie’s grandchildren said: “she made a difference in the lives of all who knew her”; “she made the ordinary magical”; “she was compassionate and altruistic”; “she inspired a sense of wonder”. Jackie was a charter member and an elder of Westminster Presbyterian Church, and she volunteered with Loaves and Fishes in Kalamazoo. She and Phil spent the last years of their lives in the Fountains Retirement Community where they made many new friends. The family wants to express our heartfelt gratitude to the residents and staff at The Fountains, as well as The Springs, where Jackie received outstanding and loving care. We are also deeply grateful for everything the wonderful staff of Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan did during the past year to make Jackie as comfortable as possible. Jackie is survived by her children, Philip, Christina, and Margaret (William) Hajek; her grandchildren, Christine (Justin) Koterba, Kate Chapman, Philip Hajek, and Christian Chapman; her great-grandchildren, Joseph and Jack Koterba; and nieces and nephews. Jackie was preceded in death by Ronald H. Buck; her son Ronald Buck Martinez; her parents; her granddaughter Margaux Hajek; her husband Philip; and her sister Marthe Scholes. There will be a private interment service at Westminster Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan. "And he will raise you up on eagles’ wings, Bear you on the breath of dawn, Make you to shine like the sun, And hold you in the palm of his hand.” While visiting Jaquelyn’s webpage at www.avinkcremation.com please sign the guestbook by lighting a candle, and/or sharing a memory with the family. The family is being assisted by Avink Funeral Home and Cremation Society; 129 S. Grand St. in Schoolcraft.