Lynda Diane Martin
Passed: November 15, 2015
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Lynda Diane Martin
Passed: November 15, 2015
Obituary
On the morning of November 15, 2015, Lynda Diane Martin, 52, of Goodyear, AZ left this life and was welcomed into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Born February 22, 1963 in Phoenix, Lynda was a precious gift to her mother and father Shirley and Rodney Kirkander. Lynda grew up in a loving and supportive family and although she was a typical annoying big sister to her younger brother Mark, they had a good relationship. Lynda began baking at a very early age and at the age of thirteen made her first birthday cake for Mark, meticulously decorating it until it was perfect. She enjoyed music and played the flute throughout grade school and high school. Always active in her church, she was a member of the children’s choir.
Lynda graduated from Moon Valley High School in 1981. Her first job was at the neighborhood Dairy Queen, and though it was just a few blocks from home, Mark would ride his bicycle there every night so that Lynda would be safe coming home. After high school Lynda graduated from cosmetology school. She spent several years working as an Area Manager for Supercuts. During this time, Lynda began attending Phoenix Community College to become an interpreter for the deaf. Upon completion of that program she attended college in Idaho where she received a degree in American Sign Language. With this degree, Lynda began working at Peoria High School as an ASL interpreter. She continued her education by attending Ottawa University in Phoenix and received her Master’s Degree in counseling for behavioral health.
After receiving her Master’s Degree, Lynda worked for Maricopa Community College in Glendale, Friendly House, Magellan Health Services and most recently Southwest Network. As a counselor, Lynda’s gift to see an individual’s true worth without judgment gave her a unique ability to assess circumstances and provide insightful guidance. She had the skill to help her clients see their own capabilities and succeed in becoming responsible and independent.
Lynda’s passion for helping the deaf community and her strong Christian values led her to become an original member of the deaf church, Deaf Alive Christian Church. In 2002, Lynda met Malcolm Martin at the deaf church, DACC. They became friends and started dating in February 2006 when their relationship became serious. They were married in September 2006.
Lynda enjoyed hiking. She loved to travel and traveled all over the United States. She had a wonderful sense of humor that made her a joy to be around. One of Lynda’s greatest talents was scheduling and coordinating family gatherings. The holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter were especially important to Lynda. She loved to bake, and would gather her family around her to enjoy time-honored traditions.
Lynda looked out for those in need. She would budget her money so that she could contribute to organizations that were important to her: Family Life Radio and the American Cancer Society.
Lynda is survived by her husband Malcolm; mother, Shirley Kirkander; brother Mark Kirkander (Laurie); Step-sons, Phillip Martin (Jessica) and Jordan; mother-in-law, Pearl Martin; sister-in-law Galinda Cardona; grandchild, Scarlet; nieces Crystal and Alicia; and nephews, Mark, Jr, Alexander and Dimitri; great nieces Bailyn and Kayleigh, great nephew Trevor; godchildren Regina, Megan and Randy, and also many cousins.
A memorial service will be held 4:00 pm Dec. 19, 2015 at First Southern Baptist Church at Sahuaro Ranch, 10250 N. 59th Ave, Glendale, AZ 85302. Arrangements are through the Thompson Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you donate to the American Cancer Society, 4550 E Bell Rd #126, Phoenix, AZ 85032.
20 responses to Lynda Diane Martin
Stephen and Jill Valentine says:
December 4, 2015
Lynda was a wonderful friend to socialize with Deaf and hearing, too for any events. She was our special dear friend and so is Malcolm. They are cool friends to us. We miss her around us. We pray and take care of Malcolm by Hands of God. They attended our 25th anniversary and they enjoyed lot around our events. We have their precious gift for our anniversary! We love her big smile with teeth! Our condolences for our dear friend, Malcolm.
Our Love in Christ
Our Hugs
Take care, Stephen and Jill Valentine
Carolyn Haq says:
December 6, 2015
I’m a friend of Malcolm’s and met Lynda through him. Although I didn’t know her very well, she would still make me feel right at home when we would go visit them. She definitely was devoted to her family. I loved reading their Christmas card every year. She put so much thought, love and time into them. It was like I was right with them all year long. I’ve been living in California for 8 years now and even though I didn’t see Malcolm everyday at work anymore. Lynda’s Christmas letters always made me feel like I was back in Arizona.
Love, Peace and Blessings to Lynda and Malcom’s family.
Vanessa Twiggs says:
December 7, 2015
Lynda, you were my supervisor, mentor and a very good friend. Words can’t express the sorrow I feel knowing you are no longer here. I just keep playing our last conversation over and over thinking this can’t be real. I know your in a better place resting in God’s arms. Until we meet again Rest in Paradise. I will miss you dearly.
Richard & Shirley Greco says:
December 17, 2015
My First Christmas in Heaven
I see the countless Christmas Trees around the world below, with tiny lights, like heaven’s stars, reflecting on the snow. The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away that tear, for I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.
I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear, but the sounds of music can’t compare with the Christmas choir up here. I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring, for it is beyond description, to hear the angels sing.
I know how much you miss me, I see the pain inside your heart, but I am not so far away. We really aren’t apart. So be happy for me dear ones. You know I hold you dear, and be glad I’m spending Christmas, with Jesus Christ this year.
I send you each a special gift, from my heavenly home above. I send you each a memory of, my undying love. After all “LOVE” is the gift, more precious than pure gold. It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.
Please love and keep each other, as my Father said to do, for I can’t count the blessing or love he has for each of you. So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear, and remember, I’m spending Christmas, with Jesus Christ this year.
This what we imagine Lynda’s thinking right now so we will rejoice in her life and celebrate that she is in the presence of Jesus.
Our prayers continue to be with Malcolm, Aunt Shirley and Mark and Laurie and the rest of the family. We love you and will keep your in our hearts and minds.
Cyndy Tyler says:
May 12, 2018
She was a very good supervisor and had a good sense of humor. She was very intelligent and had a very good memory. I will miss her a lot