Gennie So Martin's Obituary
Gennie So Martin
January 3, 1944 – June 17, 2025
It is with deep sadness and loving remembrance that we announce the passing of Gennie So Martin, a cherished mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She passed away on June 17, 2025, at the age of 81 in San Diego, California.
Gennie was born Genoviva Tiang Cano on January 3, 1944, in Calbayog City, located in the Samar province of the Philippines. Her father So Pit Tin was of Chinese descent and her mother Maria Cano was of Filipino descent. The second oldest of nine children, Gennie grew up in a large family with two brothers and six sisters.
From a young age, she valued family, her Catholic faith, and education. In 1964, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Far Eastern University in Manila — a proud accomplishment that set the stage for her career and future. In February of 1975, Gennie bravely immigrated to the United States in pursuit of new opportunities. She found fulfillment in helping many of her siblings move to the states.
Gennie married the love of her life, Michael Frank Martin, on September 2, 1978, at St. Charles Church in San Diego, California. They lived in several places together including San Diego, California, Moscow, Idaho, and Las Vegas, Nevada. Mike’s military career with the U.S. Navy allowed them to relocate to Idaho, where Gennie chose to live to raise her family.
Gennie was a dedicated accountant who worked with Marriott International for many years. She was well-respected by her colleagues and peers. In retirement, Gennie embraced life to the fullest. She was carefree and loved traveling, exploring many parts of the world including Japan, Vietnam, Europe, and the Middle East. Her sense of adventure endured.
More than anything, Gennie cherished her family. She was a devoted mother to three children and a proud grandmother to nine grandchildren, all of whom she is survived by. She spent her later years raising some of her grandchildren in California and traveling back and forth to the Philippines where she built her dream home in Calbayog.
Gennie will be remembered for her sweet and thoughtful nature, her resilience, positivity and the compassion she showed to those around her. Her loving spirit is now reunited with her beloved husband Mike in heaven.
Mass and services will be held for Gennie So Martin on July 7, 2025 from 4pm to 8pm and July 8, 2025 from 10am to 12pm at Greenwood Memorial Park & Mortuary, located on 4300 Imperial Ave. San Diego, CA 92113.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day…”
— 2 Timothy 4:7-8
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