Martha J. Pope

Martha "Marty" Jeanne Pope, 84, of Deer Park, TX, formerly of Mt. Clemens, MI, passed away Tuesday, July 24, 2012. Born Martha Jeanne Steinmetz in Chicago, IL in 1928, Marty was married to James "Jim" K. Pope for 55 years before he passed away last October. Martha was a very sweet and loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She was also a fighter. She waged a ferocious battle with the pancreatic cancer that she was diagnosed with last November.

Marty moved to Detroit, MI in 1937 with her family, when her father's career advanced with the Hartford Insurance company. She graduated from Denby High School in 1946 and Wayne (State) University in 1950. After university, she did post-graduate study at Albany Hospital - Utica University in NY, where she trained as a dietitian. Following that study, she returned to the Detroit area and practiced as a dietitian at Beaumont, Jennings, and Mt. Clemens General hospitals.

In 1955 Marty met the love of her life, Jim, while sailing with a friend. Jim had lost his glasses and Marty volunteered to drive him to an optometrist. Even before he got his new glasses he liked what he saw. They were married shortly after, on Feb 18, 1956, and they honeymooned at Boyne Mountain, where Marty learned to ski. Together they had three children: David Pope of Chicago, IL, Charles Pope of Austin, TX, and Barbara Pope of League City, TX. They also had three grandchildren - James, Jacob, and Allison. She is also survived by her brother John Steinmetz, sister Kathy Dent, and extended family.

Marty had many passions outside of her family and work. She loved crafts, particularly crocheting, knitting, and quilting. She was an avid reader who expressed her love of books by doing her best to ensure they were available to everyone. She actively supported public libraries, and helped to found the Harrison Twp Library. Marty was very civic minded and was a member of the League of Woman Voters and the AAUW. She was a long standing member of First Presbyterian Church of Mt Clemens and attended First Presbyterian Church of Pasadena, TX since moving to Texas. She also enjoyed listening to Prairie Home Companion and gave generously to public radio and television. Traveling was another passion of hers, and she was particularly fond of a tour of Ireland she made with her daughter and granddaughter.

Marty loved flowers of all types, but if you would prefer to donate, please send donations to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (www.pancan.org) or any other charity of your choice.

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Hi Jim,

Here I come to you, you in heaven. Three weeks after you died in October last year, I was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Even the doctor gave me no hope . I had surgery , clinical trails and several hospital stays. I did the battle.

Thanks to my three angel children who encouraged me.

Barbara shopped for me and slept in my apartment.

David, who lives in Chicago, flew down each month and helped with finances.

Chuck, who lives in Austin, came over to be with me and helped get me to San Antonio for the clinical trials.

And I can’t forget Rizz who stayed at Barb’s house when she was with me to take care of her dogs and cats.

Thanks to the Waterford staff and residents for their concern.

Also to my sister, Kathy and brother, John, for visiting and their concern.

Friends in Michigan for their cards and prays.

First Presbyterian Church in Pasadena for their concern.

Thanks to Dr. Vu and staff for medical help.

So you see Jim, I’ve been surrounded with lots of love.

God Bless,

Love

Martha