Lillian Dolores “Dolly” Martin – 71, longtime resident of Los Angeles, died Sunday evening November 10th at home in her sleep. Born on October 24, 1942 in Dublin, Ireland to the late Thomas and Mary Murray of 30 Stannaway Road, Kimmage, Dublin. Dolly and Tim immigrated to Los Angeles in 1963 where they were married at St. Ignatius of Loyola in Los Angeles, CA.
Dolly, a devout Catholic and long time parishioner of St. Dominic's Catholic Church in Eagle Rock, was an Irish Camogue player during her youth along with her sisters Anna & Pauline. An actress, a dancer, a golf enthusiast achieving two 'holes in one' — one of which she was recently very proud.
Dolly was very well known and highly regarded by all within the Irish-American community. In 1996 the City of Los Angeles bestowed upon Dolly the prestigious "Irish Woman of the Year Award."
Dolly wore many hats within the Irish-American community and cherished her role as an active member of the Celtic Arts Center where she taught Irish dance and served as a member of Irish Club of So. California. In addition to her outstanding commitment to the Irish community, she continued to play golf weekly with the Lady Duffers of De Bell.
A loving wife, mother, and friend — one of her most treasured rolls was grandmother. She loved her grandchildren unconditionally and instilled the values pertaining to the Irish culture. Amongst many, Dolly enjoyed watching and cheering along the sidelines at her grandchildren's baseball and water polo games. Her passion and love was Irish dancing with her grandchildren.
Dolly is preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Mary, and her sisters, Alice Hall and Mona O'Hara. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Tim Martin; her sons Derrick Martin and Sheamus Martin and his wife Valerie, daughter Linda Wright and her husband Justin; sisters Breda Agnew, Anna Gossain, and Pauline Morrissey; brothers Terence Murray and his wife Nora, Padraig Murray and his wife Mary, Michael Murray and his wife Yvonne, and Seana Murray and his wife Edna; grandchildren Shayla Martin, Bradley Wright, Eileen Martin, Eric Wright, Meghan Wright, Ciara Martin, Colin Martin, Sinead Martin, and J.C.Lepe; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are invited to St. Dominic's Catholic Church, 2002 Merton Avenue, Los Angeles, for a Rosary Vigil Service at 7:30 PM on Wednesday, November 20th with a wake to follow at the Women's 20th Club, 5105 Hermosa Ave., Los Angeles. Bring along your instruments, voices, and dance shoes.
Funeral Mass on Thursday, November 21st at St. Dominic's Catholic Church at 11:00 AM with Internment Services following immediately at the San Fernando Mission, with reception to follow at The Ladies 20th Century Club, 5105 Hermosa Ave, Eagle Rock, Los Angeles, Ca. 90041.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Celtic Arts Center of Southern California 5062 Lankershim Blvd. #3003, North Hollywood, CA 91601.
