Obituary of Emma W. Fortier

Emma W. Fortier passed away Jan 16, 2012 at the age of 62 in Gladstone, OR, due to a neurological disorder associated with ovarian cancer after a hard fought, brave battle with the disease. Emma was born in Longview, WA on Aug 21, 1949 to Ira (Bill) and Wilma (Hayden) Martin and grew up in Prosser, WA where she graduated from Prosser High School in 1967. She attended Washington State University and graduated with a degree in Home Economics in 1971, the same year she married Michael Fortier. The couple lived in Illinois and California before settling in Milwaukie, OR where they raised two children. Emma was a dedicated teacher, she taught home economics in Chicago and for 17 years at McLoughlin/Alder Creek Middle School before retiring in 2010. Emma’s passion was quilting and crafts, family and friends treasure hand-made gifts made by her. She was actively involved at her church, Oak Hills Presbyterian, serving as youth ministry leader for many years. Emma’s greatest pride was her family; she especially loved being a Grandma to her four grandsons. Emma is survived by her husband Michael and children, Amy Van Doren and her husband Matt of Tigard, OR and Kevin Fortier and his wife Lici of Wilsonville, OR and her four grandsons: Mason and Miles Van Doren and Aaron and Andrew Fortier. She is also survived by her mother, Wilma Martin of Prosser, WA, her siblings and their spouses: George and Marilee Martin of Pullman, WA, John and Victoria Martin of Olympia, WA and Freda and Richard Boll of Prosser, WA. A memorial service for Emma will be held on Jan 28, 2012 at Milwaukie Presbyterian Church at 10:00am. The family asks that donations be made in Emma’s honor to Oak Hills Presbyterian Backpack Buddy Program.