Martha Elizabeth Goldman

Martha Elizabeth Walker Goldman Harbor Springs, MI (Formerly of Ann Arbor, MI) Age 95 died Wednesday September 26, 2012 at Arbor Hospice. Marti was born November 29, 1916 in Ann Arbor, the daughter of Edward W. and Emma (Wiesmyer) Walker. On September 3, 1938 she married Max J. Goldman Jr. who preceded her in death. Marti was her nickname when she was younger. Back then it was typically a man’s name so she spelled it with an “i” instead of a “y” because it was more feminine. In 1945 Marti and Max opened a women’s apparel store at 218 S. State Street and decided to use Marti’s maiden name “Marti Walker” as the store name. Marti was on the sales floor running the business for over thirty five years where she met countless numbers of students, husbands shopping for their wives and residence of Ann Arbor. In the early years it was uncommon for a woman to run a business and raise a family at the same time but she was way ahead of the curve. To this day, every time Marti was out and about she would meet people who remembered her from the store. They either worked there or shopped there. Marti was hip and upbeat all her life, a joy to be around and very well liked by all who came to know her. Her sons Max III and Edward came into the business in 1968 and 1969. Marti and Max retired in 1983 and moved to Harbor Springs, MI. Her sons continued to grow and operate the business opening several stores throughout Michigan. After operating for 53 years Marti Walker’s closed in 1998. Surviving in addition to her two sons are three grand children, eight great grand children and three nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents and three sisters. Marti was a kind and loving person, a true “Sweetheart”, who will be missed by her family and all that knew her. Cremation has taken place and a time to celebrate Marti's life is being planned and will be announced soon. Please visit www.muehligannarbor.com for further information and to sign the online guest book.