Nancy Jean Martin

Nancy Martin died on December 2, 2006 as a result of complications from heart surgery. She valiantly survived four open-heart surgeries in three weeks and appeared to be beating the odds before her body succumbed to her rare heart disease. Nancy was born Nancy Jean Raber on September 3, 1937 in Austin, Minnesota. She was the eldest daughter of Sam and Bernice Raber and is survived by sisters Judie (Owens) and Cheri (Patterson). Nancy graduated from Woodruff High School in 1955 and went on to attend Bradley University from 1955-1959. There she was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority and was a Bradley cheerleader. It was also at Bradley that she met her husband, William (Bill) Martin. Nancy and Bill were married on September 19, 1959 in Peoria, Illinois. Bill's work took them to St. Louis, Missouri, New Orleans, Louisiana, Granby, Connecticut, and Denver, Colorado. They have two children, Cynthia, born February 4, 1962, and Bryan, born October 10, 1967. They have four grandsons, Ryan and Conner (sons of Cindy and Steve Sapp) and William and Alex (sons of Bryan and Katherine). Nancy's husband, children and grandchildren were the light of her life. She and Bill have been actively involved in each of their lives, never allowing distance to hinder that. They enjoyed frequent trips to Seattle, New York, and Florida, and recently a memorable Disney Cruise to celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary and a boat tour around Manhattan to see the Statue of Liberty. Nancy distinguished herself to her grandsons as a Nana who found joy and profound interest in every moment of their lives, great and small, as well as a Nana who could throw, catch and hit a baseball with the best of them. Nancy, together with her husband Bill, are active members of the Bethany Lutheran Church, participated in numerous bridge and mahjong groups and loved long walks, the beach and golf. Nancy had many friends from all stages of her life and she actively maintained these close relationships over many years and many miles. Her generosity, loyalty and love will be missed by her family and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made her name to the St. Joseph Hospital Foundation, c/o CVI-Donation, 1835 Franklin Street in Denver, Colorado 80218. Please share your memories of Nancy with her family by clicking on the "sign the guestbook" button below.