Date of Birth
August 13, 1974
Date of Death
May 25, 2009
Location
Phoenix, Arizona
Cause of Death
Ruptured Adenoma
Who She Was
Her Story
Kerry Martin, 34, wife of State Treasurer Dean Martin, passed away on May 25, 2009 a few hours after giving birth to their first child, Austin Michael Martin.
Kerry and Dean’s son was born weighing eight pounds and measuring 21.5 inches in length. Austin was the light of Kerry & Dean’s lives. During his short life, he brought joy to everyone who met him. He was a beautiful mix of both his parents. On May 27th as his father cradled Austin near his heart, he peacefully passed away returning to his mother’s arms.
Kerry was described by friends and family as “radiant and glowing” during pregnancy. She just loved being a mother. Kerry and Austin played a game each night, she would place a remote control on her tummy and he would kick it off. They would do this all night. Other times during the day she would just spontaneously laugh out loud; because when Austin kicked, it never hurt, it tickled. Kerry would say, she could not wait to meet him, but she was going to miss him not being with her “24/7”.
Kerry Mabey grew up in Arizona, graduating from Shadow Mountain High School. She then attended Arizona State University where she met her soul mate Dean Martin. Dating thoughout college, they married in 1995. Kerry graduated in 1996 as valedictorian of the entire University (Moeur Award) with a degree in Political Science and minor in Spanish.
Kerry was a loving wife of 13 years, sister, aunt, daughter, niece, and friend to many. Kerry is survived by her husband Dean Martin, father Edward Mabey, her aunt Phyllis Pulice, her sister Tracy Smitherman, her brother John Mabey, and a niece and two nephews.
Kerry’s life was dedicated to numerous causes to help others. Most of all she cared about preserving life. In the last few years she had worked to help prevent child drownings and promote water safety. Kerry was also passionate about financial literacy to help less fortunate families improve their opportunities. She developed and presented financial literacy classes for new Habitat for Humanity homeowners, young servicemen and women at Luke Air Force Base, and many others.
Simply stated, Kerry touched the lives of thousands across the state. Kerry was always the volunteer, organizer and leader. She jumped in to help donate her time, talent, and enchanting smile to support efforts she believed in.