Martha Sorensen Obituary

Martha Irene Sorensen went home to her Lord and Savior on April 26, 2016 In Colorado Springs, CO where she had lived for the last five years. She died peacefully at home with family near. She was 90 years old.

Irene was born on November 22, 1925 in Headland, Alabama to William A. Quattlebaum and Zera A. (Quattlebaum) McKee. She was preceded in death by her oldest son, Gary Sorensen. Her parents and her two sisters, Edna Motley and Queen McKee, as well as a brother Quinton Quattlebaum also preceded her in death. Irene was a person of a strong, quiet faith and did not fear death. She looked at death as her reward in Heaven and the chance to reunite with her son, parents, siblings, friends, and many pets.

Irene is survived by her husband of 68 years, Valdemar "Val" Sorensen who she met at Fort Benning, GA where she was working when Val returned from Army service in the Pacific Theater during World War II. She is survived by her son, Cary Sorensen (spouse Bea) of Galveston Island, TX, her daughter, Shauna Conner (spouse Butch) of Colorado Springs, CO and her daughter-in-law Letitia Sorensen of Rockwall, TX. Also surviving Irene are grandchildren, Eric Sorensen, Valerie Sorensen, Jimmy (Lynn McGuire) Sorensen, Glenn (Karen) Sorensen, Erica (Max) Hinojosa, Matthew (Tanya) Marek, Jason Marek, Jackie (Jason) Berry, Jennifer Lara and Tracy Stalcup. Irene's great-grandchildren, Brheanna Berry, Bryleigh Berry, Blake Berry, Lauren Osika, Dylan Fussell, Michael Stalcup, Taylor Stalcup, Ethan Sorensen, Erin Sorensen, Colten Sorensen, Cinco Hinojosa, and Jaxson Hinojosa as well as many nieces and nephews also survive her.

Although Irene had been living in Colorado for the last five years to be closer to family, her heart was always in El Paso, TX where she and Val lived for 66 years. She raised her three children in El Paso and was a wonderful and caring mother and grandmother. She was always available to be a Cub Scout or Brownie leader and never missed an event at her children's schools. She worked for many years in the Department of Social Work and Psychiatry at William Beaumont Army Medical Center before her retirement from Civil Service. Irene treasured the friends she made at Park Hills Christian Church where she and Val were members. Irene and Val enjoyed square dancing and bowling. She played a mean game of Scrabble, was a talented amateur painter, and able to work the New York Times crossword puzzles until a few months before her death. She enjoyed gardening and sewing as well as sitting on her screened-in porch in El Paso and visiting with family and friends. She and Val always had a Dachshund or two sitting on the porch with them. One of her biggest joys was visits from grandchildren in the summers at her home in El Paso. After moving to Colorado, she received many phone calls and visits from the grandchildren and was always happy to see pictures of the newest great-grandchild.

Memorial services will be held at a future date at Irene's church in El Paso, TX. Her spouse, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and all family members will remember her with love and appreciation for a life lovingly lived and know she will be met with joy by all those she has loved and who are waiting on the other shore.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in Irene's honor and memory to Park Hills Christian Church, 5701 Alabama Street, El Paso, TX 79904.