Obituary of Janice Elizabeth Martin

Janice Elizabeth Martin passed peacefully, at her home surrounded by those she loved, on Sunday, May 9th, 2021. Janice was born on May 5th, 1940 to Manuel and Ethel Bailey in Hollister, CA. Janice is survived by her husband, Romaldo of 61 years, their 3 daughters, Janeane (Doug) Williams, Sheryl (Brad) Nelson, Krystal (Sammy) Lomanto, and her brother Butch (Loree) Bailey. Their beloved “Nonnie” is survived by her 6 grandchildren: Jillian (Cody) Rubbo, Hillary (Jake) Raine, Wesley (Courteney) Nelson, Makenzi (Josh) Knoll, Tanner Lomanto and Dylan Lomanto. But her greatest blessing in life was living long enough to see her 8 great grandchildren born into this world... Blake & Reagan Rubbo, Hazel & Lucy Knoll, Hailey & Rhett Raine and Emerson & Wells Nelson. Janice was preceded in death by her parents, Manuel and Ethel Bailey, and her sons, Mark and Tommy Martin. Janice was born and raised in the small, ag based community of Hollister, Ca where she attended Fremont School and R.O. Hardin, then went on to become a proud Hollister Haybaler, where she was a cheerleader. Janice married her high school sweetheart Romaldo and they raised a family of proud Hollister Haybalers. Janice volunteered for various organizations that her kids were involved in including Pop Warner Football, 4-H, Hollister FFA, and High School Rodeo just to name a few. Janice and her entire family could be found on Friday night at their Lover’s Lane or Fallon Road roping arena... A very popular attraction in the area where Janice ran the concession stand and was known for her famous chili beans. Janice began volunteering at Spring Grove School when her youngest son Tommy was in Kindergarten. She was hired in January of 1977 as a teacher’s aide. In 1982 Janice became the Librarian for Spring Grove School where her passion for reading, books and students shined brighter than ever. Each morning “Mrs. Martin” would have a library full of students that needed her help. In 1993 she also became an instructional aide where she touched the lives of many students... some credit their success to Mrs. Martin, to this very day. Mrs. Martin was very generous and was known for her gifts... spending much of her salary on students to ensure they had the supplies they needed to succeed in their educational endeavors. She retired in 2007, but even after working for 30 years, she continued to volunteer and help organize the annual Spring Grove Turkey Trot with her friend and coworker Billie for many more years. Janice became a grandmother in 1984 and from that point on was known as “Nonnie”. Her greatest joy in life was spoiling her 6 grandchildren with sweets and treats and wherever she went she usually brought a box of donuts. Ironically, her favorite greeting was usually “Hello Sugar” Her love of reading prompted her to ensure her grandkids always had an abundance of books and she cared very much about their education. In 2014, Nonnie became a very proud great grandmother and over the years was able to spoil 8 great grandchildren, whom she loved with all her heart. As Janice entered retirement, she gained a newfound passion for gardening succulents. She was a generous supporter of the ACS Relay for Life and any fundraiser that supported education or local charities. Janice loved to support local businesses and was a frequent customer at Ranchers Feed, where her personal shopper/wrapper, Erin, knew how to choose the best gifts for her family and friends. Janice made a weekly trip to Triway Meats where her childhood friends and owners, Bob and Shirley, always had steaks and jerky ready for her. Janice had sass and wit, immeasurable strength, and a sense of humor that no one will forget. She’s probably joking that she enjoyed the ride to Heaven on her “broom”. Her family takes comfort in knowing that she has been reunited with her two sons whom she has longed for. A special, heartfelt thank you goes out to her caregiver Araceli, who spent the past 5 years by her side, and her caregiver Alma. Both angels in disguise, lovingly cared for Janice until her last breath and her family will be forever grateful. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Tommy Martin Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o 1192 Fallon Road, Hollister, CA, 95023. A Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Friday, May 21, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church in Tres Pinos. No reception will follow. Inurnment will be private. Donations are preferred to: Tommy Martin Scholarship Fund, c/o 1192 Fallon Road, Hollister, CA 95023