Martha Louise Hankamp Kazmierzak, born August 21, 1952, died at the University of Michigan Hospitals after a long illness on September 7, 2018. Martha was surrounded by her siblings and children. Martha was born in, Rochester, New York to Dr. LaMar & Ellen Hankamp. She grew up in Ann Arbor, graduating from Ann Arbor Pioneer High School in 1970. She went to Northwestern College in Orange City Iowa and earned her B.A. in Early Childhood Education. Professionally, Martha was active her entire life in early childhood educational services. She spent many years at the Towsley Center for Children, Ann Arbor, along with the Pfizer Childcare Center, Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan Children’s Center, as well as other childcare organizations in Ann Arbor and Detroit.
Martha is survived by her two sons, Ted and Brandon Kazmierzak; brothers, LaMar (Sherri) Hankamp of Saline, Michigan, Stephen (Valerie) Hankamp of Downers Grove, Illinois and John Hankamp of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Martha was predeceased by her parents, sister Catherine Hankamp (1969) and her husband Thomas Kazmierzak (2016). Many loving nieces and nephews also survive. Martha’s family is also extremely grateful to Cecilia Hooper of Ann Arbor. Cecilia was a kind and loving friend to Martha during the final months and days of Martha’s life.
Martha especially loved working with small children, spending many hours preparing activities for the next day. Martha also loved kittens and cats, had many over the years, and her particular favorite was Smudge. Martha was a loving and peaceful woman who now lives with Christ eternally in the Kingdom of Heaven. Martha will be buried with her family at Forest Hills cemetery in Ann Arbor.
Friends may visit with Martha's family on Friday, September 14, 2018 from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. A short Christian memorial service will take place at 3:30 p.m. at Muehlig Funeral Chapel, 403 South Fourth Avenue (at William) Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104.
Memorials in Martha's name may be made to a charity of your choice.
Please share a memory of Martha with her family at her online guestbook.
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