Beloved Wife, Mother, Daughter, Sister, Friend

Age 53 of North Oaks, died June 27, 2012 at home peacefully with her family at her side. Survived by John, her husband of nearly 31 years; children, Rob and Ally; parents, Robert and Mary Jo Horner; siblings, Carol (Rick) King, Nancy (Bill) Ford and Jean (Tom) Andersen; John's mother, Margaret and his siblings, Bill, Beth and Jim (Joanne) Shinar; nieces, nephews and many friends. Preceded in death by father-in-law, David Shinar. Martha grew up in Battle Creek, Michigan and graduated from Western Michigan University in nearby Kalamazoo, Michigan where she met the love of her life, John. After stops in Houston, Dallas, Columbus and Chicago, the family settled in the Twin Cities and has been here for 14 years. Martha worked as a substitute teacher at St. Odilia in Shoreview, Minnesota for many years and served as an active supporter of her family, church and community. A dedicated runner, Martha ran the path around North Oak’s Pleasant Lake almost every day, rain or shine. She participated in dozens of races and triumphantly finished her first marathon -- The Twin Cities -- in 2001. Martha’s determination and spirit came from being a 20-year breast cancer survivor – sadly, it was the disease that became her final race. She was accomplished at many things, but the essence of Martha’s life is not about what she did so much as who she was. Beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend, Martha was one of those truly unique people who met every day with cheerful optimism. She was kind, joyful, sincere, accepting, supportive, stylish and fun -- always ready to join in, lend a hand, share a kind word, or put others at ease with the grace of her manner and beautiful smile. Martha left us too soon; she will be profoundly missed. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 4-8 p.m., Sunday, July 1 at HOLCOMB-HENRY-BOOM-PURCELL, 515 Hwy 96 W. at Mackubin, in Shoreview. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, July 2 (visitation begins at 1:00 p.m.) at ST. ODILIA CATHOLIC CHURCH, 3495 N. Victoria in Shoreview. Private family interment. Memorials preferred to Totino-Grace High School, St. Odilia Endowment Fund or Susan G. Komen for the Cure. One final note: As a colorful and stylish person, Martha’s final wishes include a desire to be remembered with a spirit of celebration; she asked that those who attend the service wear an expression of color.