Cobina L. St. Martin

Cobina L. St. Martin, wife of the late John Whittingham, of Grand Marais died at the age of 81 at her home under the loving care of her family and hospice on Tuesday afternoon, July 26, 2022.  She was born in Hamtramck, Michigan on July 13, 1941 to George and Norma (Bailey) St. Martin.   Being the daughter of a Marine, Cobina grew up in Munising, Michigan, Florida, Cherry Point South Carolina and Santa Ana, California.  There she attended Santa Ana Junior College and received a degree in Library Science.  In 1963 her father was transferred to Green Bay, Wisconsin where she found work as a librarian at the Southwest Branch library.  She worked there until her retirement in 2008.

Cobina married John Whittingham on September 5, 1987.  Together they started their own large engine repair business Whitco, Inc. in De Pere, WI.   In 2008 Cobina and John now both retired decided to call Grand Marais home.  Cobina was a member of Holy Rosary Church in Grand Marais.  She was an active and proud member of the community giving tours of the Light Keepers House, the Pickle Barrel, working with the Grand Marais Historical Society. She sang in the church choir and served as VP of the Grand Marais Women’s Association. Cobina and John enjoyed traveling around the U.S. but mostly enjoyed the company of family, friends and each other.  They were married thirty-three years when he preceded her in death on April 19, 2020.

Cobina is survived by her son – Gary (Challece) Schraer; step-children – Christopher Whittingham and Meghan (Barry) Siewert; stepson-in-law – David Brown; grandchildren – Stephanie and Jennifer Schraer, Christina (Kody) Williams, Morgan and Porter Siewert, Alex (Kevin) Hogan, Samantha Brown, great-grandchildren – Clare Hogan, Brothers- Gary and Michael St. Martin and Nephews Nick and Josh.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband John, step-daughter – Heather Brown, sister-Denise St. Martin and sister-in-law Kerry St. Martin

A Memorial Mass will be held at Holy Rosary in Grand Marais for both Cobina and John on Thursday, August 10, 2023 at 12:00 noon. Together In Life, Together Forever!