Peggy Martin

With a journey that spanned times of peace and war, plenty and want, Peggy Martin kept her gaze fixed on what mattered most through all the ups and downs that came her way. Her determination was unyielding, and she was always willing to go above and beyond to care tenderly for others. There was nothing more precious to Peggy than her friends and family. The simple pleasures of life brought her so much joy, and she never took a single blessing for granted. Already so dearly missed, Peggy will be forever missed and cherished by those who knew her best.

The late 1940s were some exciting years to be living in the United States of America. Following the end of WWII in 1945, the world was finally beginning to heal. Here at home in the U.S., the economy was thriving, and the historic baby boom was underway. It was during this exciting time that Robert and Irene Stearns of Kalamazoo, Michigan, were awaiting the arrival of their first baby. Robert had served on the hospital ship Wisteria during WWII and made a living as a photoengraver, and Irene had spent the war working at Gibson Guitar Company. They were so happy to announce the birth of their daughter, Peggy, on December 23, 1949.

Throughout her childhood, Peggy was a typical girl of her generation. She was raised in the family home in Kalamazoo alongside her younger sister, Julie. Though Peggy was jealous that Julie had stolen the spotlight at first, the Stearns sisters got along well and grew to be quite close. Peggy attended local schools, including Kalamazoo Central High School. She then went on to pursue further education at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, earning her associate’s degree and becoming a part of one of the college’s first graduating classes. Peggy was a member of the secretary club and had always wanted to work as a secretary. She fulfilled those dreams by working as an administrative assistant for a pharmaceutical company for several years.

Peggy was fortunate to find love at a young age with a boy who lived just around the corner. His name was Robert Martin, and the two would cross paths quite often. Bob eventually asked Peggy to get some sweet treats at Dairy Queen, and Peggy was happy to say yes. The rest was history. After dating on and off for several years, Peggy and Bob were united in marriage on May 19, 1972, in the Hawaiian-themed wedding of their dreams.

Over their 53 years of marriage, Peggy was Bob’s biggest supporter. She was his source of strength and his safe space, and the two leaned on each other in good times and bad. Peggy and Bob shared a love for Hawaii, their favorite place to travel. Every time they visited, they did their best to catch a performance by The Brothers Cazimero, their favorite traveling band in Hawaii. The couple especially loved going to the Hana Maui Ranch on Maui, where they could ride horseback and soak in the beauty of the nature around them. For their 25th anniversary, Bob whisked Peggy away on a surprise trip to their favorite place.

As Peggy’s health declined later in life, Bob cared for her in every way he could, including driving her to Culver’s as often as she wanted.

Peggy doted on her beloved miniature cockapoo, Zac. She took the dog everywhere, and Zac was truly her favorite little buddy. Peggy and Bob loved spending time with friends at their condo in South Haven. They enjoyed the breathtaking view, the spectacular sunsets, and each other’s company. Over the years, they developed close friends in Kalamazoo as well. In their free time, Peggy and Bob also liked watching TV shows, including The Bold and the Beautiful—Bob would try not to watch, but he always got pulled in. Peggy’s favorite foods included pizza, hamburgers, hot dogs, and steaks. One of her greatest passions was cross-stitching. Peggy belonged to a cross-stitch group, and she loved making bookmarks of pets or cancer-support emblems to give away as gifts.

All who knew Peggy Martin will certainly agree that she truly understood a secret to a life well lived. She was a constant source of strength and encouragement, and she was a shining example of compassion and generosity. A devoted daughter, sister, and wife, Peggy’s love for her family and friends knew no bounds. Her willingness to care for others left an unforgettable impact on so many, and she took every chance to hold her loved ones close. Life will never be the same without Peggy here, but she leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that her friends and family members will forever keep near and dear to their hearts.

Peggy Martin, 76, died on January 20, 2026. Peggy was born on December 23, 1949, in Kalamazoo. Peggy was preceded in death by her father, Robert Stearns. She is survived by her mother, Irene Stearns, her husband of 53 years, Robert Martin; and her sister Julie (Scott) Vandernoot.

Celebrate Peggy’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on her dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition. Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900.