Martha Jean ("Marty") Van Buskirk passed away quietly at the age of 82 on February 22, 2006 in Portland, Oregon after complications from a hip fracture and surgery. Marty was born in Seattle on October 11, 1923, grew up in her beloved West Seattle neighborhood, joined the Navy after graduation from High School in 1942, and married the love of her life, "Van" in 1946. Marty loved people, fashion, and travel!! For sixteen years Mary was a salesperson in the former Frederick & Nelson Silver Department in downtown Seattle. Marty always enjoyed her life- when she retired, Marty enjoyed volunteering at a hospital, playing Bridge, shopping and spending time with friends and family. She remained in West Seattle after her husband died in 1978, but later moved to Kent, Washington and later to Portland, Oregon to spend her remaining years with her daughter, Jamie and family. Marty is survived by a daughter, Jamie Bernasconi, son-in-law Alex, and grandchildren Bryan, Erica, and Tracy in Lake Oswego; as well as a son Michael Van Buskirk, who resides in Helotes, Texas.

Remembrances in memory of Marty should be sent to: Paralyzed Veterans of America- 1220 Southwest Third Avenue, Room 1682; Portland, Oregon 97204.