Vera Jean Martel

Vera Jean Martel, 89, passed on to a higher life in Sandpoint, Idaho on Tuesday April 17, 2012. Graveside services will be conducted 11:00AM, Monday, April 23, 2012 at Pinecrest Memorial Park, with Pastor Jon Pomeroy of the Sandpoint Church of God officiating. Friends may call at Coffelt Funeral Chapel Sunday from 3:00-5:00PM. She was born Nov. 30, 1922 in London, England. She was raised and educated in England. As a young lady she worked in the manufacturing of the Spitfire aircraft as the general inspector. She had the final say as to when a plane was ready for combat. She also was selected, due to her expertise, to be involved with the use of aerial photography for military purposes. She also volunteered at the USO and while there met Louis Philippe Martel. She came to the United States in 1946 and she and Louis were married on Aug. 3, 1946 in Pawtucket, RI. In 1951 they moved to Whittier, CA where she worked in retail sales. In 1978 after Louis’ retirement, due to ill health, they moved to Sandpoint. Vera was a talented, accomplished artist, working in ceramics, creating porcelain dolls, painting in oils, and doing charcoal portraits. She is survived by 5 children: Christine Dlugatch of Canyon Country, CA, Lee Bloom of Vancouver, WA, Phil Martel of South Bay, CA, Leslie Porntharavongse of Sandpoint, ID, Joli Hansson of Kirkland, WA. Vera’s 12 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren were drawn to her because of her wisdom and guidance. She is also survived by 2 great great grandchildren; and 1 sister: Maree Hamel of Whittier, CA. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband in 1985 and 1 sister. The family would like to express their deep appreciation to Dr Cope and Bonner Community Hospice for their loving care shown to Vera. The family suggests memorials, in Vera’s name, be given to Bonner Community Hospice, P.O. Box 1448, Sandpoint, Idaho 83864. “Your life was a blessing, your memories are a treasure, you’re loved beyond words, missed beyond measure. Author unknown