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E-mailMARCH 14, 1927 - OCTOBER 21, 2011
RESIDENT OF HAYWARD
Lillian Giannini Martin was born March 14, 1927 in the Contra Costa County agricultural community of Brentwood, California to Pellegrino and Ana Giannini. She was the youngest of three children. Lillian's early days were filled with life on the farm where her family grew grapes, walnuts, apricots and almonds. She and her siblings, Rose and Eppolito, grew up during a much more innocent time, and attended the one room Lone Tree School where her 8th grade graduating class consisted of two people, her and the teacher's son. During this time, Lillian developed her artistic talents. She became an accomplished painter, and musician. At home, she learned to speak three languages, Spanish, Italian, and English. Lillian graduated from Liberty Union High School in 1944, followed her cousin Sally Giannini to Oakland to attend Beauty College, and eventually into a business, Elm's Beauty Salon. Soon after, Sally and Lillian met Tony and Ralph (2 brothers) and they all became Martins. Lillian and Ralph married on June 30, 1946. Her life was never the same. Over the next 40 plus years, her life was filled with family, the laughter of children, big band music, sports and movies. She lost Ralph on June 2, 1990. Influenced by her sister Rose, Lillian developed a passion for community and volunteer work. For all of her life as a volunteer, she worked with Prevent Blindness Northern California, in association with local community volunteers, conducting eyesight and hearing screenings at pre-schools throughout the Hayward area. She also volunteered with Hayward American Little League, Hayward Continental Little League, and Moreau Catholic High School while her children were at home. In later years, she was active with the Hayward Area Historical Society, the Hayward Zucchini Festival, the All Saints Catholic Church, and served as a director for Scholarships, Inc. In 2007 the California State Senate commemorated Lillian for her achievements in volunteerism.
Lillian is survived by her four sons Lawrence, Ralph, Jim and Paul; her daughters in law, Irene, Debbie, Mary and Rain; 12 grandchildren; 1 great grandson; and her many nieces, nephews, friends and family.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Lillian's memory to the following charities: Hayward Rotary Foundation, PO Box 629, Hayward, Ca 94542 or Prevent Blindness, Northern California, 1388 Sutter Street, San Francisco, Ca 94109 (www.eyeinfo.org).
Family and friends are invited to attend services. Visitation is Thursday, October 27, 2011 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm with a vigil service at 7:00pm. Funeral Mass is scheduled for Friday, October 28, 2011 at 10:30am. All services will be held at All Saints Catholic Church, 22824 Second Street, Hayward, California. Burial to follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 26320 Mission Blvd., Hayward.
Holy Angels Funeral Center - FD1456
1051 Harder Road
Hayward, California 94542
510-537-6600