Irene P. Martin

HARBESON – Irene P. Martin passed away peacefully in her home on Thursday, December 31, 2020. Irene was born in Bridgeville, Del daughter of the late Hilton and Lulu (Russell) Penuel. She resided in Harbeson most of her life and was an active lifetime member of Coolspring Presbyterian Church. Irene worked in the cafeteria for 23 years with the Cape Henlopen School District and retired several years ago. Irene also loved being a homemaker where she enjoyed cooking and spending time with her family. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Irene also loved music, especially going to local concerts; as well as, spending time caring for birds and interacting with customers at M & D Bird Farm. In addition to her parents, Irene was preceded in death by her husband, John E. Martin, Jr.; son, Alan Martin; grandson, Dr. Christopher Martin, DDS; brother, Harold Penuel; sister, Virginia Thompson; and two nieces, Bonnie Thompson and Peggy Thompson. She is survived by two children: her son, John E. Martin, III and companion Beverly White; and her daughter, Terri L. Martin Sherwood and husband Danton; a granddaughter, Michele Zink and husband John; two great grandchildren, Elyse Zink and Alexander Zink; nieces and nephews, Jimmy Thompson and wife Shirley, Lynn Martin and wife Lydia, Patsy Wells and husband Jeff, Debbie Holding and husband Larry, Bucky Chappell and wife June, Bill Penuel, Dean Penuel and wife Tracy, Chris Penuel and wife Heidi and their families; as well as numerous other nieces, nephews, and extended family. The family would like to also extend a special thank you to Irene’s caretakers, Ofelia and Aurora, for their love and dedicated care for Irene over the past several years. Graveside services have been scheduled for Sunday, August 15, 2021 at 4pm at Coolspring Presbyterian Church Cemetery, 28843 Log Cabin Rd., Lewes, DE. Everyone is encouraged to bring a potluck covered dish and join the family for a time of food and fellowship inside the Church Hall after the interment.