Nancy Ellen MARTTILA

MARTTILA, Nancy Ellen (Watchko), age 82, died suddenly, in her home, on July 11, 2023. Nancy was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. She met her husband John Marttila while attending Wayne State University, where she received a BA in Education. She moved to Boston in 1970, where she lived the rest of her life. She worked at the State House, the State Auditor's office, and for the president of Massachusetts General Hospital. In 1993, Nancy received a Master's in American Studies from the University of Massachusetts. She volunteered throughout her life: at Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, Hill House, numerous Democratic campaigns, her local polling station, and Massachusetts General Hospital. She was an active member of Old South Church.

Nancy is survived by her son, Douglas, and his wife, Adrienne Casey; her daughter, Katherine, and Katherine's dog, Reese (Nancy's "sweet boy" who she helped raise); her granddaughters, Clara and Rose Marttila; her siblings, Polly Varhol, Philip Watchko, and George Watchko; many nieces and nephews, and countless friends. Nancy enjoyed skiing, tennis, spending summer days at her home in Maine, reading, traveling, Bridge, and being with friends and family, especially her granddaughters. Nancy will be dearly missed in this world.

A Memorial Service is planned for Saturday, September 23 at noon at Old South Church in Boston.

Instead of flowers, please make donations to the MSPCC or the Democratic cause of your choice.