Patricia ""Patty"" Martinson

Patricia (Patty) Martinson, 87, Lakewood, Colorado, passed away in her home on Saturday May 7, 2016. Patty (nee Murphy) was born in Indiana on July 23, 1928. The oldest of 7 children, Patty was a hard-working farm girl, assisting with the care of her siblings, picking crops and tending livestock. She was very active in the 4-H program, reinforcing her proficiency in horticulture and home economics. While attending Purdue Univ., Patty met her husband, Donald William (1924 – 2010). After living in the Chicago area for a short time, Patty and Don moved to Connecticut where they raised 5 children. Both parents were active in the Scouting program and Patty became a 4-H leader, teaching dozens of girls how to sew and her own children horticulture and other home arts. Here Patty also developed a love of antiques, doll collecting, and primitive rug hooking. After moving to Colorado in 1976, Patty's love of gardening grew. If the sun was out, Patty was in the garden. Her efforts won her ""Lakewood's Most Beautiful Yard"" contest three years in a row. She worked at O'Toole's Garden Center as a greenhouse consultant for many years and her lawn and gardens were featured in their commercials. Learning and sharing was a constant part of Patty's life. She was a member the Denver Dollers, and the Applewood Reliques Questers. Patty was motivated to research new subjects so that she could present programs about any subject she found interesting. She was an active member of the Lakewood Historical Society, both teaching and demonstrating rug hooking at the Lakewood Heritage Center. Patty is preceded by husband Donald William and son Donald William Jr. She is survived by daughters Holly and Betsy, daughter Karen with husband Matthew Girard, son Charles with wife Brenda (nee Wood), grandchildren Matthew and his wife Maren, Daniel and his wife Lori, Kathleen and her husband Ben, Joanne, Jack, and C.J., and great granddaughter Lilah. Services will be held at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 1985 Miller Street, June 2, 2016 at 10:30 am. Please share memories of Patty with her family by visiting the Guestbook.