Martha McCann Whalen, 86 of Big Rapids, Michigan, passed away peacefully in the presence of family on Monday, November 12, 2012. Martha was born to John P. and Rose C. (Ledermann) McCann on March 13, 1926 in Flint, Michigan. She celebrated her Baptism, First Holy Communion and Confirmation at St. Matthew's Parish in Flint, Michigan. Martha graduated from Fenton High School in 1943. She graduated from Marygrove College in Detroit, Michigan in 1947. Martha married Urban R. Whalen on May 6, 1950 at St. John's Church, Fenton, Michigan. She was preceded in death by her husband, Urban, former Big Rapids Postmaster, in 2002 after 52 years of marriage. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister Mary E. McCann Nichols and brother John P. McCann, MD. Martha is survived by her ten children: RoseAnne (Dr. David) Woodliff, Middleville, MI; U. Robert (Olya Duzey), Washington, DC; Brian P. (Kim Waples), Augusta, MT; Mary Colleen (Dr. Edmund) Casper, Denver, CO; Alice (Thomas) Christensen, Grand Rapids, MI; Sheila (Ed Guthrie) Whalen, Denver, CO; Kevin J. (Laura), Denver, CO; Ronald J. (Uma), Rockville, MD; Christopher E. (Kim), Grand Haven, MI; Michael P. (Maureen), Littleton, CO. She was blessed with 18 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren, plus many nieces and nephews including 2 special nieces Martha Nichols Adelmann and Rosemary Nichols. Also surviving, is her sister-in-law, Mary Danz Whalen. Martha combined family, professional and community activities with an amazing skill. Prior to marriage she completed her Dietetic Internship, at the Wadsworth VA Hospital in West Los Angeles, CA. Upon completion of her internship, she returned to Michigan and was employed as a Dietician at the VA Hospital in Dearborn, MI. In 1958 Martha and Urban moved to Big Rapids, MI where they owned and operated Whalen's Restaurant. After the sale of their business, she worked as a Dietary Consultant in several health care settings including Central Michigan Community Mental Health. During this time, she was a nutrition instructor at Ferris State University and a NET grant coordinator. Her volunteer activities included CCD teacher, Parish Council of Catholic Women, and St. Vincent de Paul at St. Mary's in Big Rapids. She was a Eucharistic Minister and member of the Shepherd's Watch and Bereavement Committees at St. Joseph's, Bradenton, FL. She also volunteered with hospice programs in Big Rapids and Bradenton, FL. She was a member of the MOISD Board of Education, Mecosta County Democrats, County Jury Board and Board of Canvassers. During her retirement years, she was elected to the Third Bayshore Condo Association Board of Directors and Treasurer. Martha was a woman of great faith, wisdom and love. She was devoted to her Catholic faith and an active member of the Catholic parishes St. Mary-St. Paul, Big Rapids, MI and St. Joseph, Bradenton, FL. Special thank you to Fr. Lam T. Le and Fr. Dan Depew for all of their spiritual guidance provided to Martha and her family. Funeral arrangements include a visitation on Friday, November 16, 2012 from 5 to 8 PM with Rosary for Martha Whalen at 7:30 PM at Daggett""Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids, MI. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in memory of Martha on Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 1:00 PM at St. Mary's Catholic Parish in Big Rapids with Fr. Lam T. Le presiding. The family will also greet friends one hour prior to mass (from 12:00 p.m. noon) at the church on Saturday. Interment will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Big Rapids, MI. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary's Catholic Parish in Big Rapids or St. Joseph Parish in Bradenton, Fla.