Martha J. Coleman

WHITE PIGEON, Mich. — Martha Jane Coleman, 96,  of White Pigeon, passed to her rest Monday, April 30, 2018, at the West Woods of Niles.

Martha was born July 31, 1921, in Mishawaka, to the late Louis J. and Lela (Merrill) Schroeder.

She married William Harold Coleman Sr. on Dec. 5, 1943, in Stockton, California. They celebrated 67 years of marriage before his passing on April 15, 2011.

She is survived by a son, Bill (Candy) Coleman; daughter Barb Dygulski;  five grandchildren, Sarah Dygulski, Michael Coleman, Amy (Jeff) Sanders, Lisa (Michael) Earley and Rebecca Coleman; three great-grandchildren, Marshall, Mia and Madison Earley; sister Marie Bueche; her brother, Richard (Marilou) Schroeder; and many loving nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, brothers Robert and Lawrence Schroeder and a sister, Nancy (Donald) Cleghorn preceded Martha in death.

Martha was a 1939 graduate of Mishawaka High School, where she met and married the love of her life.

She was employed at her father’s business, Schroeder Coal & Ice, and later worked at Newman’s Dress Shop, Mishawaka.

Family was important to her and living on Long Lake gave her many special times and memories with family, friends and especially her grandchildren.

She enjoyed hosting big holiday celebrations, and they were always a special day filled with lots of laughter.

Martha was a member of the Mishawaka High School Alumni Club, Long-Coverdale Lake Association, Rosary Society at St. John and St. Monica Church.

She was a volunteer during World War II and with Meals on Wheels, in addition to many clubs and organizations throughout the years.

Per her request, cremation was chosen.

She will be laid to rest next to her husband at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the entire staff of West Woods of Niles for the loving care they gave her.

Those wishing to honor her life may make a donation in her name to any Alzheimer’s Association for research.

Arrangements are under the care of Billings Funeral Home, Elkhart.

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