Janet Martyn Obituary

JANET MARTYN

Northampton, MA - With deep sorrow, the family of Janet Martyn announces her passing on June 11 of this year. She died peacefully at home in Northampton in the presence of her husband and two daughters.

Jan, along with her twin brother Charles, was born in 1945 to Mary and Ernie Ekdahl in East Hartford, CT. She became a registered nurse and worked for five years in the Emergency Room at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford. In 1970, after marrying her husband Tim, they moved to Amherst, MA where she worked at the UMASS Heath Services and became a nurse practitioner. She loved nursing and remained at UMASS for 40+ years.

Through daily selfless acts, Jan demonstrated her personal values. Simple things mattered. Sincere kindness and empathy were offered inside a package of common-sense wisdom along with a small dose of mental toughness. Her natural compassion made life easier and more meaningful for her family, friends, patients, neighbors, and complete strangers. She quietly taught us that actions do indeed speak louder than words.

Jan leaves her husband, Tim Martyn, their two daughters and husbands, Julie Martyn and John Geryk, Jessica Brown and Jack Brown, and her brother, Charles Ekdahl. She also leaves five young grandchildren: Jacqueline Geryk, Josephine Geryk, Evan Brown, Johnny Geryk, and Hannah Brown. Over the past ten years, Jan became "Mimi" to her grandchildren as they became her most joyful labor of love.

In true Mimi fashion, not wanting to be the center of attention, she requested that no formal ceremony be held in her honor. Instead, a modest donation can be made to either the Hampshire YMCA (www.hrymca.org) or Doctors Without Borders(give.doctorswithoutborders.org).

Please go to Czelusniakfuneralhome.com for online condolences and tribute book.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Hampshire Gazette on Jul. 22, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Janet Martyn

10 Entries

Barry Bouthilette

August 1, 2025

The entire Bouthilette family was saddened to hear of Jan's passing. She had a wonderful spirit which we felt whenever in her presence. May that great spirit of hers be always with you, Tim, and Julie and Jessie and your families. Sending warmth to you all.
- Nonie and Barry and the kids

Denise Scoville

July 31, 2025

I was so very sorry to hear about Jan. I work at U.Mass. Health Services now and worked with Jan for many years. She was such a sweet soul. And so very smart. It was such a pleasure to work with her and to know her. Peace and good memories to her family.

Rorie Woods

July 26, 2025

Jan was such a beautiful human being, and such a great neighbor to Leah. She was the most diligent nurse at UMass when I contracted mono in the winter of 1986, and Jan still exemplified that same gentle diligent concern when we crossed paths in 2021, when the whole world contracted mass psychosis. I already miss her. Jan kept up with my trials and tribulations, with genuine interest. My heart goes out to Jan's family, and to all of her neighbors suffering her loss. May we all strive to live Jan's example and humble legacy, her nurturing presence and kindness. Thank you for this beautiful photo of a beautiful soul.

Ruth Barham

July 24, 2025

I am so sorry for your deep loss, Tim, lovely daughters, and lively grandchildren. I am one of the many neighbors who was fortunate to be befriended by Jan. We met while she was out raking leaves, over which we commiserated when I came by on a walk. It was easy to strike up a fun, and at the same time meaningful, conversation with her. I think it was because she was kind and open, and liked people. May your memories of her be a comfort to you all.

Joselyn Koldy

July 23, 2025

I am so saddened to hear of Jan´s passing. She was such a special person. She spoke of her family often and with so much love, she was proud of all of them. Jan also cared about all of her patients, she was truly the best NP. I am blessed to have known her. My heart goes out to her family.

Jim Abel

July 23, 2025

Jan Martyn was my colleague and one of the VERY BEST Nurse Practitioners! I send my sincerest sympathy to her family.

Susan BreInes

July 23, 2025

oh how I loved Jan. Our girls were so close when they were young and in turn Jan became a good friend. we reconnected at the Y and I relished seeing her and getting news about sweet Jess & Julie.
Jan was selfless and so giving and the hardest worker I have ever known. She was rock solid, the salt of the earth . I will always remember the time we spent together at their lovely home on the Vineyard. It was a beautiful home as was her home in Northampton (which she gave to her daughter& family). What a kind generous spirit! Rest in peace dear Jan.

Barbara Raeder

July 22, 2025

Heartfelt condolences to Tim, Charlie, Julie, Jesse and all the family. Jan exemplified Grit & Grace. She was LOVE. Not something she did, but who she was. She will never be forgotten.
RIP dear friend.

Maura Keene

July 22, 2025

How sad. I worked with Jan for years at UMass for many years. She was a wonderful nurse practitioner and a devoted mother and grandmother. What a loss for her family.

Meredith

July 22, 2025

Had the pleasure of meeting this very cool, lovely lady at CDH. Rest in peace and condolences to her family.

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