Elizabeth Martin

Elizabeth Jane Martin, 84, of Lafayette, died March 1st, 2021 at IU Medical Center, surrounded by her family where she had been a patient for 4 weeks. Born May 31st, 1936 in Fair Oaks, IN to the late John Raymond and Frances Eva (Bongart) Conlin, she graduated from Rensselaer High School in 1954, and shortly thereafter met her husband of 53 years, George Jerome ‘Jerry’ Martin, who preceded her in passing on October 10, 2009. Married on November 5th, 1955 in St. Augustine Parish in Rensselaer, IN, theirs was a marriage centered on shared love of their family and faith. They lived in Rensselaer until 1972 when they relocated their growing family to Lafayette, IN, and immediately became deeply involved in their new community. Mrs. Martin spent the first 25 years of marriage working in the home, followed by her serving as Docent and eventually became Education Coordinator (the ‘Zoo Lady’) for the Columbian Park Zoo. There she was able to serve others in a calling where she took animals into schools, nursing homes and long-term care facilities to provide comfort to those most in need. Followed by a time working in City Hall in the Utility Billing Office, she later retired to spend time with her family. She was a volunteer for Right to Life for many years; was a member of the Rosary / Altar Society; served for a time as a grief counselor; and was a very active member of St. Mary Cathedral where she and Jerry taught the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) in their home for years. During this extended period of service to the faith, they welcomed hundreds of adult converts to Catholicism, many of whom have continued with service to the faith. She was preceded in death by her son Gregory J. Martin (2016), and grandson Joshua S. Martin (2018). Surviving her are daughter Patricia F. Payne (David H. Payne) of Lafayette, son Dennis G. Martin (Ann) of Lafayette; son David R. Martin; son Vincent J. Martin (Chelsea) of West Lafayette; son Peter G. Martin (Leah S.) of Lafayette; and son Tobias G. Martin (Leah J.) of Portland, OR. Also surviving are 20 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren, all recipients of her enduring love and devotion to her family. Those who knew her best will be comforted in remembrance of her kindness to all others, and the warmth of her spirit. Friends may call at St. Mary’s Cathedral from 11:00 AM until the Mass of Christian Burial at 1:00 PM Monday March 8, 2021, Fr. Dennis J. O’Keeffe officiating. A private inurnment will be held at a later date for family at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Lafayette. Due to COVID-19, masks are required and social distancing will be practiced. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tricia’s Hope (www.triciashope.com). Those wishing to leave remembrances can do so at www.hahngroberfuneralhome.com. Hahn-Groeber Funeral Home of Lafayette is honored to serve the Martin family.