Blessed Zelie Martin was born in France on December 23, 1831. Zelie was a lace maker and ran her own business. Around the age of 27, she married Louis, a watchmaker. They both ran “home-based” businesses. Louis and Zelie had nine children but only five of them lived to adulthood – all girls. Family prayer time was an important part of their daily routine. Zelie was also known for having a good sense of humor and for setting her business aside to play with her children. The most famous of their daughters is now known as Saint Therese of Lisieux, or “The Little Flower.” All five of their daughters entered the religious life. In 1877, at the age of 46, Zelie Martin died of breast cancer. Louis and Zelie Martin were beatified in 1988.