Lemley Chapel
Serving Sedro-Woolley &
All of Skagit County Since 1935
1008 Third Street
Sedro-Woolley, WA
360-855-1288
www.LemleyChapel.com
Winnifred A. Martin Memorial
Winnifred A. Martin Memorial

Winnifred A. Martin

Winnifred A. Martin

Friday, January 7th, 2011

Winnie passed away peacefully in her sleep in Sedro-Woolley on January 7th after a short illness.  She leaves her children: Jon “Chuck” Rogers (Elisa), Steve Rogers (Lynne), Carolyn Russell (Bud), Nancy Burress (Phil), 11 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her husbands, Don Rogers, Andy Anderson and Pat Martin.  Of her 7 brothers and sisters only Helen York, Lorraine Robideau and Roy Buchanan remain.

Winnie Buchanan was born March 9, 1923 in McClure, Virginia to Charles and Bessie (Putnam) Buchanan.  As a child, the family homesteaded near Lyman at Minkler Lake.

Winnie started her family while living in Everett and was proud of working on Boeing B-17’s during WWII.  She first moved to Rockport and then to Diablo for 6 years, Sedro-Woolley for 30 years, Mt. Vernon for 15 years and finally returned to Sedro-Woolley where she had many friends.

Winnie was a lifelong artist. She felt compelled to paint many beautiful scenic oil paintings.  This passion brought her much pleasure which she shared with others by teaching painting for 25+ years.

Winnie’s generosity was legendary. Throughout her life she financially supported Christian and many other causes.  She helped decorate weddings and decorated many cakes.  She painted ceramics, made quilts, knitted hats for orphans, quilted lap robes for veterans and was always willing to volunteer whenever there was a need.

Winnie was very patriotic. She supported her local Legion Post and Eagles as an active Auxiliary member. She also was a proud member of the 8/40 and VFW.  She was also a great supporter of United General Hospital, working with the guild and in the gift shop for many years.  She contributed to Children’s Orthopedic Hospital throughout her lifetime to thank them for their care of her during her youth.  She was a conscientious blood donor.  She contributed to the NRA, Statue of Liberty Fund, Ellis Island, Habitat for Humanity, Maternity Lending Center, Salvation Army, St. Jude’s Hospital, Boeing Aerospace Museum, downtown Sedro-Woolley renewal, and both Mt. Vernon and Sedro-Woolley Senior Centers. She also donated to her grandchildren’s college education.  She was an uncompromising member of the Democratic Party from President Franklin Roosevelt on.

She will be missed by those who loved her and all those she helped.

A time of visitation is available at Lemley Chapel from 9 AM to 5 PM Tuesday and Wednesday, and Thursday AM prior to the service.  Services will be held at Lemley Chapel, in Sedro-Woolley, on Thursday, January 13th at 2 PM with a gathering immediately afterwards at the American Legion Hall in Sedro-Woolley.   Memorials are suggested to George Baldridge Post 43 American Legion or United General Hospital in Sedro-Woolley.  Please share your memories of Winnie and sign the online guestbook at www.lemleychapel.com

Guestbook

  • James C. Womelduff IV

    To my Great Aunt Winnie. I never got to meet you. I am Arthur’s Only Grandson
    I love to hear of the amazing life of service, love and spirit of volunteering that you possessed. Your spirit lives on. I am taking my family of five from Kansas City to My Vernon this summer to meet get re acquainted with Great Aunt Lorraine. May God continue to bless you and keep you in Jesus precious name
    Amen!

  • John Cummings (McNeil)

    To the family of Willie Martin, My name is John k. Cummings. I grew up in Sedro-Woolley and after graduating high school joined the Navy landing in Fort Lauderdale, Florida as a veteran. I am now a full time artist and writer. I owe my dedication, my talent, attending to detail and passion to Winnie. She started teaching me at her home when I was her paper boy at age 10 through till graduation when she was teaching class at the senior citizens center. I loved her very much, she motivated and believed in me where no one else (other than my mother) did. Because of her I was able to unleash a creative tornado in nearly every area of art from fine detail drawing, writing novels (about to be published), gourmet cooking, photography, large sculpture welding, painting landscapes and portraits to my current medium, silver and mixed metal sculptures. Through me, her memory and the passion and love for art, she instilled in me, will be passed on through my works of art. I owe my happiness in life to her. You were the most amazing and most inspiring artist and the sweetest, most giving woman I’ve ever know. I truly hope the world gets to see your paintings. Growing up, my imagination lived in many of your remarkable paintings. Thank you, Winnie. I don’t miss you because you are in everything I do.

  • Tess Pederson

    I am so sorry to hear of Winnies passing. I met her back in the 70’s when I was working in Sedro woolley. She was such a sweet gal and always funny, lively and a great friend. I will miss her

  • Patt Richardson

    I’m so sorry that I haven’t been able to see Aunt Winnie for awhile. I think Aunt Helen’s 95 BDay was the last time I saw her. She always made me feel so welcome & special to be with her. She was everything a good Aunt should be. My thoughts are with you all even if I can’t be there. Especially Aunt Helen & Aunt Lorraine, it’s hard to lose a sister any time. Love to you all, Cousin Patt

  • Erika Hendrix-Danielson

    I used to love going to her house when I was a little girl while my Grandmother (Helen) & Grandfather went dancing and playing with her miniture doll house. I loved that she still had it too!
    She loved showing me all of her craft projects & sharing artistic advice.

    I will miss her but know I will see her again someday.
    I love you Aunt Winnie. <3

    Erika, Don, Brandon, & Noah Danielson

  • Cherie Hardin

    I remember the times that her and Aunt Helen would come and visit Grandma Cabe, and boy let the visiting begin. She was a wonderful person and will be missed by lots of folks in this Valley. My thought and prayers go out to her family
    Cherie Hardin

  • bobbi hendrix-bryant

    To the family, You kids did her proud, what a wonderful obituary, tells the story so well , She was a walking volunteer for charity and did so much for others , those little hands never stopped , knitting , sewing painting, doing hair, carpentry, cooking and she was a wonderful baker way back, so many things accomplished in one lifetime, when i was a kid I especially remember her making us candy, singing songs , and reading us stories, she was soo much fun.. I saw her a lot the past few years having moved back to the area, and I saw her December when she had just gotten into her little park model, she was struggling with health problems then , but sure never expected it to get to this point… She gave me a few little keepsakes and i will treasure them always, love to all of you, Your cuzzin , Bobbi

  • Elaine Bertalan Davis

    I met Aunt Winnie in 1952 when they lived on Lombard inEverett. Her Niece Joan & I were good friends an we would take the bus over from Snohomish to visit Aunt Winnie. I remember her standing ironing the first time I met her Have always known her as Aunt Winnie as her sister Helen is like a second Mother to me. I am so sorry for her loss to all her family. Bobbie and I stopped and visted her in her home in Mt. Vernon this fall. I will keep you all in my prawers. God Bless, Elaine