Obituary of Connie Lee Martin

Connie Lee Annabella Martin (Cushing) died unexpectedly in a Tucson, Arizona hospital on November 14, 2017, with one of her daughters by her side. She was 69 years old. Connie Lee was born on September 12, 1948 in Bottineau, North Dakota to parents Wallace L. Cushing and Muriel Jane Hanson (Handeland) of Garrison, North Dakota. She was predeceased by her parents, husband Howard Grant (Buddy) Martin, Sr., and stepson Robert Wayne Hanson of Redondo Beach, California. In the 1960s, Connie met Gerald F. Hanson (Gary). They were married in Las Vegas, Nevada soon after. Together they raised Robert and Byron from Gary's previous marriage. Connie and Gary eventually had two daughters, Muriel and Lorelei. After six years, the couple divorced. Connie moved to Tucson, Arizona 32 years ago, where she met and married her soulmate, a WWII War Veteran, Howard Grant (Buddy) Martin in 1986. They both enjoyed traveling cross country together, visiting family and friends. Being a child at heart, Connie fed her passion for antique dolls and toys in which she held infinite knowledge. She could identify any doll, providing the make, model, year it was produced and the potential value, turning her passionate childhood hobby into a successful business. Someone once asked her why she loved dolls so much, she replied simply, "I just love little babies." In addition, she was also a very creative artist, published writer and a prolific letter writer, with more than 30 pen-pals all across the United States and Canada. She often sent charitable gifts and cheer packages to people in need. Most of all she was a wonderful mother who loved and was dedicated to all her children. She was an active member of United Federation of Doll Clubs, Inc., Old Pueblo Doll Club, Tucson Doll Guild and numerous other doll clubs. She was a lifetime member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Connie is survived by her children, Muriel Lee-Anne Hanson of Lehigh Acres, Florida, Lorelei Lyn Hanson of Lehigh Acres, Florida, step-children Byron Nevene Hanson of Gay, Georgia, Sharon Gail Batlaglini of Tucson, Arizona, Patricia Ann (Robert) Villamana of Tucson, Arizona, and Howard Grant (Elizabeth) Martin Jr. of Tucson, Arizona, siblings Carol (David) Russell of Omaha, Nebraska, Robert Cushing of Fargo, North Dakota, Judi Bradley of Newburg, North Dakota, JoAnn (Kevin) Olsen of Las Vegas, Nevada, Tammy (James) Lelm of Harvey, North Dakota, Stacer (Rainy) Taylor of Bismarck, North Dakota, a sister-in-law Hazel (Ernest) Lovette of Tucson, Arizona, 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. A funeral service is scheduled for 1:00 pm on Monday, November 20, 2017 at Southern Arizona Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, 1300 S. Buffalo Soldier Trail, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635. A Deacon from St. Andrew's Parrish will officiate. The brief service will conclude at the chapel or committal area. Anyone who would like to speak at the end of the service is welcome and their thoughts will be appreciated. There will be a Celebration of Life following the ceremony - around 4:00 pm at the home of Bob and Patty Villamana, 3181 N. Rowe Lane, Tucson, AZ 85750. (East on Cloud Road 3/4 mile east of Sabino Canyon Road). In lieu of flowers, the family would like to memorialize Connie Lee Martin on bench plaques at the Southern Arizona Veterans' Memorial Cemetery. Please send contributions to Adair Funeral Home, c/o Family of Connie Lee Martin, 1050 N. Dodge Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85716. The family would like to thank Arizona Oncology, Santé of Tucson and Tucson Medical Center for their dedication to Connie and her well being. Online condolences can be sent to www.adairfuneralhomes.com