Miriam Louise (Macdonald) Martinson

Miriam Louise (Macdonald) Martinson (Sis), passed away October 1, 2021 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. A Memorial Service will be held at Faith Lutheran Church of Great Falls on Friday October 15th at 11AM, with Pastor Ken Waag officiating. Miriam’s family would like to invite her close friends and family to join them in a toast of celebration of her life at The Sip & Dip of Great Falls following the service from 2-4PM.  

Miriam, daughter of Louis Macdonald and Miriam (Baker) Macdonald, was born in Auburn, WA on June 18, 1945. She married the love of her life, Lane Martinson on February 24, 1967 in Auburn, WA.  

Miriam was very proud of her time spent as a Campfire Girl, which she joined as a young girl at the age of 9. She spent many memorable years working her way up and reaching the highest level in her high school years when she earned the WoHeLo Award. Nothing brought her more joy than camping with her beloved husband Lane. She especially cherished when her whole family was able to be with them to enjoy all that was, and loved to share stories of their time together as there were so many treasured memories made in these moments. Miriam’s final days were filled with her family and closest friends by her side. Lane transferred his “winning ways” to her as she won nearly every game she played with her family. Better known to her precious grandchildren as “Nannie or Nanz” she thoroughly enjoyed being with them playing games, telling stories or just “hanging out” as they were the apple of her eye. 

Miriam worked for Buttrey foods as a grocery buyer for 23 years. She also worked for the Great Falls Chamber, the Holiday Inn and the YWCA, where she met many lifelong friends. She also took pride in teaching Sunday School at Faith Lutheran Church for nearly 20 years.  

Miriam is preceded in death by her husband Lane; father Louis; mother Miriam; sister Betty Parker and sister Lorry Utz. 

She will be missed by many but especially by her family, Daughter Shawna (Dean)Duffy of Missoula; Son Shannon (Jill) Martinson of Holdingfold, MN; Grandchildren Erin (Michael) Dembowski of Wisconsin, Justin Duffy of Washington, Ashley Junker of Iowa, Erika Martinson of Wisconsin and Jessie Duffy of Missoula, as well as many beloved friends and family. 

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to be made to Faith Lutheran Church of Great Falls or the Great Falls YWCA.  

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