Penny Martine

Penny Lynn Martine, 58, of Branch, MI, passed away on Thursday, April 25, 2024, with her daughter by her side. Penny was born on April 28, 1965, in Benton Harbor, Michigan, to Leon and Shelby (Rutherford) Hardy. She was an adventurous spirit, a loving soul who embraced life with resilience, reliability, and an infectious zest for living. She left us just days shy of her 59th birthday, leaving a void in our hearts, but also leaving us with a wealth of wonderful memories that inspire and sustain us. Penny's journey through life was marked by an enduring sense of adventure. She was a professional driver for her own company, PNR Pilot Car Escort, where she found immense joy in traveling the US for work. This adventurous spirit extended into her personal life as well, with camping and kayaking being among her favorite pastimes. Penny's love for the road was only rivaled by her love for her family. She was the most incredible mom to her daughter, Amber, and loved all of her grandkids beyond measure. Penny married Reginald Martine on April 29, 2005, in Ludington, Michigan. Penny and Reg owned Lakeview Inn in Sister Lakes, MI prior to moving up north to their property in 2018. Penny's life was not defined by its length, but by its depth. She was the best Meme ever, a title she wore with pride and joy. She cherished her time with all her grand babies. Penny’s resilience and steadfastness were the pillars that supported her family, making her the reliable rock upon which they leaned. Penny was preceded in death by her parents, Leon and Shelby Hardy; siblings, Pam Kurland and Anthony Hardy; and nephew, Mike Kurland. She is survived by her husband, Reg; children, Amber (Mike) Zoschke, Todd Martine, and Tony (Barbara) Martine; siblings, Robin (Rhonda) Hardy and Chris Hardy; grandchildren, Payne, Leo, Cameron, Gianna, Kylie, Tori, Anna, Alex and Andrew; several nieces and nephews; special life-long friends, Steve and Shawn Foster; bonus son, Conner (Ashley) Vladic; bonus grandchildren, Abigail and Matthew; bonus sister, Patti Packard (who we truly believe was sent to Penny from her sister Pam in Heaven); and many wonderful friends. A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, May 3, 2024, at Bright Star Tabernacle, 5130 Old Pipestone Rd, Eau Claire, MI, with visitation at 11:00 a.m. and the service at 12:00 p.m. (noon) In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Caring Circle Hospice or Hanson Hospice Center in St. Joseph, MI (click the link below to donate online) We invite you to share your memories of Penny, to honor her life, her spirit, and her love. Please feel free to upload photos and leave your thoughts on the memorial page. In doing so, you not only commemorate Penny, but also contribute to keeping her spirit alive in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Penny Martine, please visit our flower store.