Virginia Martin

Virginia Lucille Martin, 82, passed away Sunday, September 10th surrounded by loving family at her home in Urbana, IL. 

Virginia was born July 14, 1941 to Paul and Rose Mary (Erhart) Peitzmeier in St. Patrick, Missouri. She grew up in Keokuk, Iowa, graduated from Cardinal Stritch Catholic High School with the class of 1959, and continued her education at Our Lady of Victory Missionary Sisters Convent in Huntington, Indiana, before working as a bookkeeper and legal secretary. In 1963 Virginia married Harold Martin, an attorney in Keokuk, Iowa, and started a family. 

After raising her children, Virginia pursued further education at Illinois State University, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 1994.  She lived for many years in Portland, Oregon where she worked in medical records at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center before retiring to return to the Midwest.  Virginia cherished spending time with family, especially her grandchildren. She attended yoga classes with dear friends, traveled with loved ones, and looked forward to regular acupuncture therapy. Virginia also treasured her recent visits to New Zealand. Her kindness toward others and zest for life were inspirational, while her enthusiasm and positive attitude were contagious. Her quiet acts of generosity and compassion toward those close to her impacted their lives for the better. Over the past six years Virginia courageously lived with cancer, treated by skilled providers whom she showered with appreciation.

Virginia is survived by her daughters: Mary (Cory) Rarick of Portland, OR; and Ruth Martin (Simon O’Shea) of Christchurch, New Zealand; son, Joe (Jill) Siedenburg of Mahomet, IL; grandchildren, Cassi Rarick, Jesse Rarick, and Diana Siedenburg; and sister, Mary Jo Joles of Altamont, IL. 

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harold F. Martin; her brothers, Paul Peitzmeier Sr, Michael Peitzmeier, and Robert Peitzmeier; sisters, Delores Paul and Mercedes Long; and grandson, James Siedenburg.

In accordance with her wishes, her remains will be cremated and no services are planned, but a memorial tree will be planted at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, IL where Virginia loved to spend time with family. Online condolences may be given at www.owensfuneralhomes.com

Memorial donations (non-deductible) may be made to Urbana Acupuncture to support their mission of making acupuncture services accessible to everyone in the community by providing an affordable sliding scale: Urbana Acupuncture, 155-A Lincoln Square Mall, Urbana, IL, 61801.

Our appreciation goes out to the amazing Carle hospice nursing team and to the skilled Carle Hospital doctors, nurses, and oncology infusion staff.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Virginia Martin, please visit our floral store.