Nancy L. Martin 1939-2026
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Nancy L. Martin (née Hemenway), age 86. She passed peacefully on September 23, 2026 at Linda Manor Nursing Home in Leeds, Massachusetts.
She was born October 28, 1939 in North Adams, Massachusetts to Laura A. Hemenway (née Estes) and Herbert C. Hemenway, and she had 7 siblings. This set the tone for her love of and devotion to family who were of central importance in her life. She took great care to maintain loving bonds with both immediate and extended family her entire life.
She graduated high school in 1957 and then briefly attended North Shore Children’s Hospital in Salem, Massachusetts studying in the Pediatric and Infant Care Program there. Following this she worked at Cooley Dickinson Hospital caring for the very young on the children’s ward.
She left her job at the hospital to marry the love of her life, the late Raymond E. Martin Jr., on October 5, 1963, and raise a family together. They raised their three children, Laura, Kelly, and Raymond III in their home in Easthampton Massachusetts.
Later she worked at Smith College in housekeeping for nearly 20 years where she made many friends and became a beloved source of kindness and cheer to the students living in King/Scales House, where she worked.
Nancy enjoyed spending time with her family. She especially loved celebrating Thanksgiving each year, taking delight in cooking and baking for the family gathering. She was happiest when we were gathered together.
Continuing her love and care for others, in her later years she adopted a small white fluffy dog named Baby, whom she adored. She also enjoyed feeding and watching the birds.
She was a devoted and loving wife and mother. She had an indomitable spirit of optimism, a good sense of humor, and a gentle presence.
She is survived by her three children, her daughter-in-law Jo Martin, three grandchildren, Cody, Emma, and Grace, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces and nephews from both the Martin and Hemenway sides of the family, all of whom she held in her heart to the end.
As newlyweds back in 1963, Nancy and Ray’s first dance was to the song “Moon River” (by Henry Mancini). We like to think that Ray has now extended his hand to her, reunited at last with him at the “rainbow’s end” for an eternal dance together on the Cosmic Dance Floor filled with stars and the music of “Moon River”.
We love you Nancy and are eternally grateful for bringing your special joy and love into our lives.
A service and calling hours will be held at Boucher-O’Brien Funeral Home, 7 Pleasant St, Easthampton, on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 10 A.M. Following, will be a committal service at Main Street Cemetery, in Easthampton, MA.
In lieu of flowers, to honor Nancy’s memory please send a donation to Dakin Humane Society. Online: dakinhumane.org/tribute-donation.
By Mail: Dakin Humane Society, P.O. Box 6307, Springfield, MA 01101.
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