Ann Marie passed away at home after a long battle with cancer surrounded by her children, husband and close relations on June 28, 2016.

Ann Marie and John Woolley celebrated their marriage in October 1986 at the Bayside Grange and moved into their home on Humboldt Bay in Manila.

Ann Marie is survived by her husband John, and their two sons James and Kevin; her siblings and spouses and their families: Wiley (Kim), John (Pam), her sister (Elizabeth aka “Izzy”, her sister-in-law and family, Ann Graham (Gil), as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and other family relations. She was preceded in death by her father and mother Wiley Robert Martin and Eugenia Keathley Martin.

Ann Marie Martin was born on January 24, 1952 in Oakland, California and raised in nearby Concord. She graduated in 1974 from Sonoma State University with a BA and honors in Psychology, an Early Childhood and Elementary Teaching Credential in 1975, and later earned a Masters in Education from Humboldt State University in 1990, and was inducted in Phi Kappa Phi 1990.

An Early Childhood Educator for over 35 years at various institutions, Ann Marie taught in the classroom in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District from 1975-80. After moving to Humboldt County, she served as a Head Teacher at the College of the Redwoods Child Development Center from 1982-84, and part time Instructor from 1984–99. From 1985-1990, she served Northcoast Children Services in various roles, i.e. Center Teacher and Head Start Regional Coordinator/Regional Supervisor. In 1993 she returned to College of the Redwoods, providing parenting workshops from 1993-96, coordinating Early Childhood Mentor Program beginning in 1995. She began her full time Instructor role in 2000, achieving College of the Redwoods Associate Faculty of the Year, 2001. She retired as Professor of Early Childhood Education in 2012.

Ann Marie was a well-known professional musician, performing with folk music groups including Machu Picchu, Uniontown Ramblers, Pasture Prime, Off the Cuff, Star Above the Harbor, and played for over 20 years with the Celtic band Good Company. She fell in love with the cello at the age of 8 and pioneered its use in Celtic music over her lifetime. She was also a talented classical cello player, performing with various symphonies over her lifetime including the Diablo Valley Symphony, the Humboldt Symphony, as well as playing chamber music with groups including the Northbay Chamber Orchestra and the Alder Trio. Last fall she was fortunate to perform in the Eureka Symphony Concert. One unique performing experience was joining long time friend and performer Sam McNeill in the 1985 Canadian Caravan Stage Company, Coyotes Band. A traveling, horse-drawn wagon troupe, the Caravan traveled very slowly throughout Northern California putting on an amazing musical play under the “cosmodrone” tent. It was like joining the circus.

Other contributions for which she was particularly proud was producing for her Masters Thesis Songs for Environmental Education (SEED), a supplement to the California State Environmental Education Guide. She was editor of Drift Dodger, an environmental newspaper focusing on the problems associated with aerial herbicide spraying. Even in her youth her leadership skills were recognized, as she was the 1962-63 “Junior Traffic Patrolman of the Year.” She was recognized for all her services and hard work as 2002 Democrat of the Year.

Ann Marie faced her death as she led her life: with courage, and open-eyed and ready for the next adventure. Her intelligence, musicality, sense of humor, deep integrity, work ethic, and loyal friendship will be deeply missed by her many family and friends around the world. She was an inspiration to all that knew her. We never knew anyone braver.

Our family extends its gratitude for tremendous medical services provided to Ann Marie over the years. Her primary physician was Julie Ohnemus. Oncologists Uma Suryadevara, Join Luh, and Amer Karam. Surgeons Ellen Mahoney, Luther Cobb, Kate O’Hanlan, John Albertini. Resolution Care physician, Michael Fratkin. Too many to note here but all the staff under each above remain very special in our hearts, as well as the nursing staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Finally, Hospice of Humboldt, a very caring and dedicated team. Accordingly, our family believes our region is truly blessed and fortunate to have so many dedicated medical professionals.

If you wish to honor Ann Marie, she would be pleased if you contributed to your favorite charity in her name. She had several organizations she appreciated; among which were: the Breast and Gyn Health Project, Northcoast Children’s Services, Northcoast Environmental Center, Humboldt Folklife Society, and your neighborhood Family Resource Center.

A celebration of Ann Marie’s life will be held at the Bayside Grange on Sunday, August 7 at noon with a community potluck, music, and sharing memories.

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The obituary above was submitted by Ann Marie’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.