A Family of Heroes

There’s not much of a history at Holy Angels that doesn’t involve a member of the Martin family.

“It all started back in 1966 when my mom first started here,” said Dee Martin. For those counting, that’s 55 YEARS AGO when a Martin first started working at Holy Angels.

Dot Martin was better known as “Mamma Dot”. Many who knew Dot described her as dependable, committed and dedicated to serve with compassion. She was a true caregiver who loved people and made lifelong relationships. She always dressed prim and proper, and loved wearing turtleneck sweaters. Her first group of “babies” as she called them include: Martha, Taylor, Hope, Katie, Elise, Lorraine, Edward “Battle” and David. Everyone loved Mamma Dot!

Decades before Holy Angels started a volunteen program, Dee was here working with the residents as a teenager.

“My momma would bring me here, especially on weekends she had to work. I would play with Maria and some of the smaller ones, like Robert and Lorraine. I really got to know them,” said Dee.

All that time volunteering, Dee became good friends with some of the residents, including our first angel, Maria Morrow.

“Maria,” smiled Dee. “We had our little talks. She was like a little sister to me. I remember her pigtails and her glasses and the old wheelchair she had before she got the motorized one. We would take walks outside and she would come down the ramp and we’d toss the big beach ball. I was close with her.”

It wasn’t until 1998, however, that Dee decided to work here full-time. It took a bit of fate to make that happen.

Holy Angels President/CEO Regina Moody invited Dee to come to the annual employee awards banquet because her mom would be receiving the employee of the year award.

“Driving back to campus from the ceremony, momma told Mrs. Moody I needed a job,” laughed Dee. “Mrs. Moody said ‘Is that so?”

A couple of weeks later, Dee started working and supporting our crew members at Cherubs Café.

“I learned a lot working at Cherubs. I really enjoyed working with the crew there,” said Dee.

Like mother, like daughter, Dee won an appreciation for outstanding service award in 2016. Here is what was written about her on the nomination form:

“Dee has a great relation with the Supported Employees – she is easy going, has lots of patience and is the perfect type of job coach… She is loved by the customers (they always ask about Dee) and supported employees.  She makes the best cappuccino of any employee at Cherubs Café.” 

Dee said she has witnessed so many mercy moments in her years at Holy Angels. One that will always stick with her happened shortly after her mom died.

“After my mom dad and I came back to work I was going to clock in and (resident) Katy said I am so sorry about your loss. She stopped right there and said I want to pray for you. She said the most powerful and beautiful prayer you ever wanted to hear. I actually felt the spirit. Then she gave me a tight hug and said, “you ok now?” It made my day. That moment is very close to me,” said Dee.

Dee has now served our angels for 23 years. Dee said two of her children even won “volunteen of the year” award. Dee’s niece, Erica Collins, worked as a Direct Support Professional for nearly eight years as well. That’s a combined 68 years of service for the Martin family. It’s a love of Holy Angels and family that keeps Dee going.

“It’s for the residents. I enjoy the residents,” said Dee. “I want to follow behind in my mom’s footsteps and where I’m working now in the laundry, it’s my last job here. So I feel her presence every time I go down there, so it’s also a blessing for me not only to be with the residents, but my mom’s spirit.”

The Martin family has nearly been a part of the entire 65 year history of Holy Angels. For Dee, the message is simple:

“Holy Angels is a place where dreams can come true. I see miracles every day.”