Remembering Amy Martin
April 13, 1991 – September 14, 2006
Dance then, wherever you may be…
“Lord of the Dance” from Hymns and Choruses: Blended in Worship
The Teelin School of Irish Dance deeply grieves the loss of dancer and friend, Amy Martin, and her father, Doug Martin. Amy and her Dad both died on Thursday, September 14, 2006 after having been caught in an unexpected riptide off Ocean City, MD. Amy’s mother, her five sisters, and all family and friends remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Teelin instructors, dancers, and parents were blessed by the opportunity to be among the many, many people who attended services for Amy and Doug. The Martins are a family of strong faith and deep love. This tragedy will never be understood, but we cherish the memories of these two gentle people.
A few facts about Amy and Doug that were shared at the funeral Mass:
Amy Martin was an exceptional scholar who was studying the Arabic language as part of her home school studies. She was also an accomplished pianist, vocalist, and a very talented Irish dancer. Amy was the second oldest of six girls.
Doug Martin was a lovingly devoted husband, father, and Catholic Christian. He was also a professional to whom we should all be grateful. His work with the National Security Agency has made our country and our world a safer place.
Donations for educational scholarships for the five surviving daughters may be made payable to”The Doug and Amy Martin Memorial Education Fund” and mailed to:
The Doug and Amy Martin Memorial Education Fund
c/o Dale W. Murphy
1710 Saddle Dr.
Gambrills, MD 21054
Amy’s extended family has established a memorial website, some photos from which have been reprinted here. The photos may be viewed in original size/format on that site.
Below are a few sentiments shared from Teelin friends and from friends all over…
Messages from Teelin instructors, dancers and their families:
~Amy was such a pleasure to have as a student. She was very dedicated and her love of Irish dance was evident. I could always count on her to know her steps. I remember how she played an integral part last year in keeping her fellow classmates in synch for their complicated accapella dance recital. Amy was gentle, kind and thoughtful and she will be missed greatly. The Martin Family will forever be in our thoughts and prayers. – Kathleen
~We are so very sorry. Our hearts go out to the Martin Family and anything we can do, please let us know. – Rhonda Link
~I will never forget Amy Martin. She was my friend and I will always remember her. My thoughts are with her whole family right now. – Lindsay W.
~I will never forget Amy. She always had a smile on her face and something nice to say. – Lindsey E.
~Deepest sympathy for the Martin Family. You will always be in my thoughts and prayers. Amy was an amazing person and I feel lucky to have known her. – Lucy F.
~We are so sorry to hear this sad news. We did not know Amy well and fortunately had a chance to meet her and her mom last March when we drove them home from the Portraits show. We will always remember her sweet, sincere, good-hearted nature. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family. God bless you always. – Lauretta, Buzz and Elena K.
~We send our love and prayers to the Martin Family. – Bill, Leslie, Rachel, Roselyn, and Shaina D.
~My prayers are with everyone feeling the loss. Students can let me know if they need to talk, I know this is rough. – Beth
~Our thoughts and prayers go out to your entire family. We did not know Amy personally, but immediately recognized her picture and have seen her many times at the school. Wishing you all the strength in the world. – The Campana Family
~Our family extends its most heartfelt sympathy to the Martins. We had the pleasure of seeing Amy dance at the open house, and Sophia decided for certain that she would like to come to Teelin. We will never forget Amy’s sweet smile and the gentle grace which eminated forth from her. God bless. – The Cunninghams
~Please know that in addition to the Teelin families, the SUSLOL families also mourn the loss of Doug and Amy. We had the fortunate opportunity to know the Martin family as we both lived overseas. It was such a nice surprise to catch up with them one day in the Teelin studio as Irish dance reconnected our lives. You touched so many in our SUSLOL community, and our thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of you! – Saunders Family
~I knew Amy was like and angel but I didn’t think she would go to heaven so soon. I will pray for Amy’s family. – Amanda G.
~Our prayers are with the Martin Family at this difficult time. – Kelly
~Although I did not know Amy as well as others, I remember she was a very sweet girl and a beautiful dancer. You will always be in my prayers. – Victoria H.
~Our hearts go out to the Martin Family at this difficult time. Although we do not know them, this is a tragic story and we all feel a sense of terrible loss and sympathy for the family. – Mary Ann and Paul M.
~”Teelin’s Angel” – Lindsay W.
~With Deepest Sympathy – Samantha, Lori & Greg W.
~Amy was so nice to everyone and we will always remember how kind and generous she was. – Rachel
~We were part of the Teelin family for many years, however we did not the Martin’s first hand, but remember seeing Amy’s smiling face. It will be a face that shines on in our hearts forever. Our prayers and thoughts are with everyone. – The Parshall Family
~Amy and her family are in my prayers. I send my thoughts to her family. – Allie B.
~It is clear to see that the Martin family is a very special one. Though we did not know Amy and Doug, Sofie remembers dancing with Amy and I remember her smile. We witnessed the outpouring of love and support at the church yesterday. We hope that your pain is eased by the love of those who surround you. Your family is in our hearts. – The Friedman family
Messages from friends in the greater Irish dance community:
~Sending our deepest sympathy to the family, TCRG and students. The Martin Family will be in our thoughts and prayers. – Eastern Canadian Region
~Our hearts and prayers are with the Martin and Teelin families. – Mid Atlantic Region
~Our thoughts and prayers are with the Martin family and the Teelin School as you all mourn the loss of your young dancer and her dad. – a Midwest Mom and Dancer
~On behalf of the Tir na Greine School of Irish Dance in Florida, please relay our prayers and thoughts for Amy, her father, Doug, and her remaining family. This is a terrible tragedy and our heartfelt thoughts go out to all involved. We as Irish dancers are a community. The loss is felt by all of us. May they rest in peace and the family be comforted. Sincerely, – Maureen Armstrong, ADCRG
~Our deepest sympathy to the Martin family and the Teelin community. – Southern Region Mom & family
~Dear Mrs. Martin: Please accept my sincere sympathy on the death of Amy and your husband, Doug. I did not know them personally, but I share your pain in accepting this tragedy. May God Bless you and your family with strength during this sorrowful time. Love and Blessings, – Una Ellis, ADCRG, Corresponding Secretary, I.D.T.A.N.A.
~Sincere sympathy and heartfelt prayers to the Martin Family at this difficult time. – Scottish Dance Mum
~To the Teelin School Community… You are all in our thoughts and prayers. – Southern Region Dancer
~Our family is praying for the Martin family and we are ready to help in any way. – Culkin School Mom / Friend of Teelin School
~What a great loss. My heartfelt prayers go out to the family and friends who are suffering from this terrible loss of life. – VA dancers
~This could have been any of our daughters, any of our husbands. We all share in the family’s grief. – 2 McGrath Moms
~Our thoughts are with the Martin family and the Teelin community. – another dance mom
~Our thoughts and prayers are with the Martin family. – Culkin Family
~So, so sorry. Our prayers are with you. – Maple mom and dancer
~We are so very sorry, you will be in our thoughts and prayers. – Maple Family
~God love you, all. We are thinking and praying for you. – another Maple family
~…My prayers go out to the family of the dancer and her dad. She seemed like a lovely girl. Cyberhugs to all at Teelin. – zippysmom
~Teelin, we are thinking of your dancers and their families, and of course the Martin family. We’re praying for each of you. – Virginia Dance Mom
~Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and Teelin School. – Eastern Region parent
~…Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time. – UK Dancing Family
~To the Martin family – May God be with you and bring you peace at this very difficult time. It could have happened to any one of us. Everyone in the dance community shares in your grief. It is my hope for you that these collective prayers will help lift you and your family up at a time when doing the simplest things is so difficult. One step at a time, one day at a time. Blessings to you all. – Southern Region Mom and family
~I never met this family, but my prayers and wishes go out to you at this time. May God be with you always. – Roberta Upton, Registrar, Rhythm of Ireland feis, VA
~Dear Martin Family, We are deeply saddened to hear the news about the sudden death of Amy and her father Doug. The entire Southern Region is thinking about you in this difficult time of sorrow. You have our deepest sympathy. – Michael O’Hara, TCRG, Regional Director, IDTANA Southern Region
~Dearest Mrs. Martin and the Teelin School, This evening, for the first time, I read of the tragic incident that involved your daughter and her dad. I would like to offer my deepest condolences on behalf of myself and my family. I can only imagine as a mom of 6 and someone who is married to my very best friend what a terrible time you all must be having. My family will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. May God Bless You and May God Carry you through in this time of need in your lives. We offer our sincerest and deepest sympathies on such a loss. – The Hanson Family
~Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Martin family at this time. May God hold you in his arms. – The Parents and Dancers of the Maple School
~My thoughts are with the family of Amy and her father. May God embrace your family and friends at this time of great sorrow. – Burke Pittsburgh Family
~I am so sorry for your losses. Please know that your family is in my thoughts. – Ohio mom
~Please accept my heartfelt condolences in the death of Amy and her father Doug. May God hold you in the palm of his hand. – Anam Mor Irish Dance Mom, Barrington, IL
~Deepest Sympathy to the Martin Family on this awful tragedy. May Amy and her dad, Doug, rest in peace. Also, my prayers are with the Martin family and all the Teelin Dancers at this very sad time. – Mary Rose O’Donovan Fansler, T.C.R.G. ( Little Rock, Arkansas )