Mary Margaret (Ulwelling) Martin passed away in her home on Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, after a battle with colon cancer. She was 76 years old.

Born in Austin, Minnesota, she was the daughter of John and Margaret Ulwelling. She was the eldest of four children. After graduating high school from St. Augustine in Austin, she married Willard Martin (Claremont, Minnesota) and they resided in Owatonna.

Mary enjoyed people and she loved to entertain. Be it bridge, church or just a visit over coffee, she treasured time with the many friends made over a lifetime spent living, worshipping at St. Joseph Church and working in Owatonna. She was employed by Owatonna Hospital until 1998. Mary enjoyed nature and delighted in feeding her squirrels and birds — especially her cardinals. She enjoyed solving crossword puzzles and never missing an episode of “Days of our Lives.” She also loved to travel. Because of her love of people and precious events that occurred in their lives, her refrigerator was adorned with pictures, cards and letters from her children, grandchildren, relatives and many extended friends.

Mary is survived by her daughters: Michelle Starr (Robert) of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and Marilyn Baker (Jeff) of Leander, Texas; two brothers: John Ulwelling Jr. (Anita), and Jerome Ulwelling (Nancy) both of Austin, Minnesota; and a sister, Joan (Ed) Hanson of Onalaska, Wisconsin. A devoted grandmother, she found countless joy in her five grandchildren: Alexandra (Steve) Knier, Jerad and Ryan Starr all of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Austin and Justin Baker of Leander, Texas. Mary was blessed by the companionship of her devoted friend Gary Staats.

Mary is preceded in death by her husband, Willard Martin; and parents John and Margaret Ulwelling of Austin, Minnesota.

The family wishes to thank the many friends and family members who visited, called, and provided meals during the past few months.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2015, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Owatonna. Friends may greet the family from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2015, at the Brick – Meger Funeral Home (1603 Austin Rd.) and one hour prior to the funeral mass at church. Interment will be at Ft. Snelling will be at a later date. Your thoughtfulness and concern for Mary was very much appreciated. For more information or to leave an online condolence message go to www.brick-megerfuneralhome.com.