Charlotte Nourse Martin

. Charlotte Martin, age 92, passed August 5th, with family by her side. Born and raised in San Francisco she attended Katherine Delmar Burke School and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa at Stanford, where she graduated in 1950.

She met the love of her life, John Roberts Martin, during a summer in Carmel. They married in 1950, and lived in San Diego. They settled in Salinas when Bob returned from deployment to Korea, and raised four children together. Charlotte worked as an elementary school teacher focusing on the first grade, and as a reading specialist and resource teacher. She retired after teaching at El Gabilan and Lincoln Schools for 26 years. She was also active in regional and international reading associations, as well as Delta Kappa Gamma.

Charlotte didn’t let retirement slow her down. A dedicated volunteer at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, she worked over five thousand hours in 20 years and was awarded Emeritus status in recognition. In addition, she served on the Monterey County Grand Jury, and the Citizen’s Advisory Committee to update the Toro Area Master Plan. In retirement, she was also able to fulfill a life-long desire to travel and adventured her way across the US, and 20 other countries.

For the past 14 years, she lived in Carmel Valley and enjoyed spending time with friends (old & new), and pursuing new interests. Charlotte treasured her family and friends, and will be remembered for many things - her positive outlook on life, generosity, passion for education, intelligence, and love of puns.

Charlotte was predeceased by her husband, parents, Benjamin F. and Mabel C. Nourse, and her sister, E. Shepley Nourse. She is survived by her children, John (Rob) Roberts Martin of Fremont, Frank N. Martin (Margie) of Salinas, James M. Martin (Amanda Maguire-Martin) of Salinas and Priscilla Martin Wild (Scott) of Oakland; five grandchildren, Justin Martin, Sam Wild, Sarah Wild, Mae Martin and Seamus Martin and the Al (Jerian) Crosby family cousins.

A celebration of Charlotte’s life will be held when it is safe to do so. To be notified with details, please contact the family at: [email protected]