Marti grew up in Flint, MI, where her father was pastor of North Baptist Church for many years. Her lifelong love of music started with learning both piano and organ at an early age. She received her bachelor and masters degrees from Wheaton College, and taught music in various school districts, including Saugatuck, where she met her husband, Phil. She wore many hats over the course of her life, but the roles that brought her the most personal satisfaction were that of mom, and special events planner. The latter was a role she held at the University of Michigan School of Education in the last years before her retirement.
The middle of 3 daughters, she always marched to her own drum. She had a zest for life, delighting in exploring new places, new ideas, often bucking convention, but always with a positive spirit. She excelled at caretaking, of her family, of friends, and of strangers who became friends. She would tell you she was an introvert, but she had a way of engaging with those around her, reeling them in with her wonderfully infectious giggle. She delighted in hosting people, making any get together feel like an occasion. Her upbeat, rascally attitude remained until the end, and endeared her to the medical professionals who cared for her in her last days.
Marti was preceded in death by her parents, Ruth and Harold, and her former husband Phil, and is survived by her daughter, Leah, and her sisters Mary Lee and Carolyn, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.
A memorial service will take place at First Presbyterian Church in Ann Arbor at a future date when it is safe to gather.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
First Presbyterian Church Sacred Music Fund
Attn: Finance Manager
1432 Washtenaw Ave
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 662-4466 www.firstpresbyterian.org
American Heart Association
(800) AHA-USA1 www.heart.org
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