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. 59^th 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.