Obituary of Nancy Rose Martin

July 11, 1946 - January 9, 2026

Nancy Rose Martin  age 79 of  Southgate

Beloved wife of the late Bill.

Loving mother of Kenny (Katie) Martin and David Martin. Dearest grandmother of Rylee, Shelby and Oakley.

Nancy Rose Martin was a loving wife, devoted mother, and caring Nana. Born at her Grandmother's home in Detroit in 1946, her family moved to Lincoln Park at the age of 2. She attended Christ the Good Shepherd Elementary School, and graduated from Lincoln Park High School, where she met and later married her high school sweetheart Bill. They were married on June 1, 1968, after Bill returned from being drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War. Nancy and Bill shared 49 years of loving marriage until Bill’s passing in 2017. 

Nancy worked at the Lincoln Park Public Library, at Manufacturer's National Bank in the stock transfer department, and processed mortgage paperwork at Real Estate One. The proudest job of her career was at Ford Motor Company, where she worked for 7 years in the office of the General Council at Ford World Headquarters as a supply and file clerk for 300 lawyers and accountants. 

Nancy’s greatest pride and purpose in life was being a mother. She left her job at Ford after adopting Kenny in 1983, and then David 4 years later. Nancy chose to dedicate herself fully to raising her sons. She was a constant, supportive presence — always involved, always attentive, and always showing up. Nancy loved watching her sons play sports and never missed the moments that mattered. She also devoted countless hours to her sons’ schools, serving as a lunch mom, office volunteer, and PTO supporter at St. Pius and Gabriel Richard. 

Nancy loved family traditions and time spent together. Some of the family’s favorite memories were annual vacations up north to Traverse City, along with many trips to Las Vegas — a place she truly enjoyed. Nancy also loved animals, especially dogs. Her first dog, Curly, was a rescue she found in the street with a broken leg, and she cared for animals with the same compassion and protectiveness she gave to her family. Her current dog, Sweetie, is also a rescue and was a treasured companion.