Cheri Marie Martin

Obituary For Cheri Marie Martin

Cheri Marie Martin passed away peacefully at Whatcom Hospice House on July 18th, 2026, at age 69.

She was born at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Bellingham, Washington on April 15th, 1957; the first of five children born to Cecil and Mildred Martin.

Cheri attended Lowell Elementary School, Fairhaven Middle School, and Sehome High School, from which she graduated in 1975. She then earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Western Washington University in 1980.

She was employed at the Bellingham Target store for many years, where she was known well by many regular shoppers who enjoyed her cheerful customer service. More recently, she worked in the home-gifts field, at Bramble Berry Soap and Candles. In the past, she also provided childcare for several years.

Cheri was a Brownie and a Girl Scout. Throughout middle school and high school, she was a very active member of Job’s Daughters, and she maintained close friendships with other girls from that order for her entire life. She was a lifetime member of First Baptist Church, where she was active in the high school youth group. As an adult she was involved in church fellowship groups, and she served as a Vacation Bible School leader.

She was a resident of the Chuckanut Drive community for over 50 years. In 2009, she moved to Southend Mobile Estates, where she resided until her death. She was a regular attendee at Happy Valley neighborhood community suppers.

Cheri liked to learn about different places in the world, and she enjoyed traveling when she could. As a child, she experienced several long trailer camping trips around the west with her family. She visited half of the U.S. states, Canada, and Mexico, and in 2009 she took her dream trip on a cruise to Norway and Scotland, lands of her ancestors.

Family and friends have always been very important to Cheri. In her adult years, she doted on nephews and nieces, and many other young folks who were very dear to her. For Cheri, family extended beyond blood relationships. She also loved her pets, and she was the proud owner of some beloved dogs.

Chronic, progressive illness did not keep Cheri from remaining active and independent. She was involved in local Multiple Sclerosis support and education groups and events.

Cheri is survived by her four brothers: Keith of Federal Way, Brian of Bellingham, Kevin of Confluence, PA, and Todd of Seattle, as well as their families. She was a proud aunt of four nephews, three nieces, three great-nephews, and three great-nieces. Other survivors include cousins from all sides, and many close friends.

Her brothers invite you to a celebration of Cheri’s life on Saturday, August 22nd, 2026, at 1:00 PM. The service and reception will be held at:

First Baptist Church of Bellingham

110 Flora St, Bellingham, WA

Donations in Cheri’s name can be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

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Services

Celebration of Life

Aug

22

First Baptist Church of Bellingham

110 Flora St.
Bellingham, WA 98225

1:00 PM

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