Obituary of Lionel Marthe

Lionel Gabriel Marthe of Salinas, 82, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, December 19, 2010. He was born June 5, 1928 in Anderville, France to Louise and Andre Marthe. Lionel grew up during World War II. At the age of 20 he served in the French Army being promoted to a Staff Sergeant while serving in Germany. During his years in the army he married Micheline Marie Belner. Together they had one daughter, Marlene Malone. He purchased a pastry shop west of Paris at Rueil-Malmaison. In 1967, they vacationed in Montreal, Canada to the Exposition and decided to stay. Two years later they moved to Boston where he served as French Pastry Chef at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. In 1978, he moved to Del Rey Oaks and opened a French Pastry Shop in Carmel. After closing his shop he became Head Pastry Chef at the Asilomar. Retiring at the age of 61 he became an entrepreneur. In November 2004 he was preceded in death by his wife, of 54 years. In late 2005 he met Joyce Blackwell and they were married on April 22, 2006. They enjoyed vactioning in Hawaii, Paris, Nice and Monte Carlo. Lionel attended Valley Baptist Church for the past five years, although he was Catholic for most of his life. He had a passion for gardening, enjoyed watching WWE and enjoyed spending time with his family. He was a member of the Culinary Association. He was preceded in death by his parents Louise and Andre Marthe, his brother Claude Marthe, and his Son-in-Laws John Malone and Bill Warner. Lionel is survived by his wife of five years Joyce Marthe, his daughter Marlene Malone, step children Sherry Warner, Tari (Wayne) Johnson, Linda (Mike) McCollum, and Matthew Blackwell, grandchildren Angela and Michael Malone, Paula (Johnny) Baeza, Jeff (Ariel) Davis, Katella (Nelson)Ong, Amanda (Peter) Medina, Kenny Johnson, Garrett McCollum, Jacob (Keisha) McCollum, great-grandchildren Michael Jr. and Eliza Malone, Serenity and Jonah Baeza, Nicholas and Isaiah Ong, and Leilah McCollum. Visitation will be held Wednesday, Dec. 22 1-9 rosary will be held 7pm at Healey Mortuary 405 N. Sanborn Rd. Funeral Services on Thursday Dec. 23 1pm at the Healey Mortuary Chapel. Final Resting Place at Monterey City Cemetery located at Fremont & Aguajito Road Monterey, CA 93940. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Valley Baptist Church 320 Church St. Salinas, CA 93901.