Ann Gerlach Martin

Ann Gerlach Martin, 88, passed away at home on September 19, 2024, in Northbrook. She was born on January 28, 1936, in Chicago, the daughter of the late Leone Bornhofen and Paul F. Gerlach, and beloved sister of Carol (the late Jim) Mooney and the late Paul (the late Frances) Gerlach.

Ann grew up in Wilmette, where she attended St. Joseph Elementary School and Marywood High School. She graduated from Northwestern University in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science in Education, focusing on Physical Education and English Literature. After graduation, she worked for Northwestern's Athletic Department. She married her beloved husband, the late William "Bill" Martin, at St. Joseph Catholic Church that same year; they were married for 60 years.

They raised their family in Northfield and Glencoe, and she was a devout member of the Sacred Heart Parish and School in Winnetka.

She was bright, curious, active, practical, resolute, and always reliable. She was an expert seamstress, a voracious reader, and a wonderful cook and gardener. A lifelong athlete, she led her high school synchronized swim team, coached the Sacred Heart volleyball team, taught adaptive physical education, chaperoned many eighth grade ski trips, and was a top golfer and paddleball player in retirement. She was an avid walker, enjoying long walks down Duck Lake Road with her friends, family, and dogs. Every summer, she taught her grandkids how to do the jitterbug in the kitchen of her North Woods cabin and taught them water ballet moves on Duck Lake.

She loved listening to Elvis, The Grateful Dead, and Bob Marley. She was a consummate host, hosting countless meals and memorable gatherings - always with a camera in hand, ready to capture family memories.

She is survived by her seven children: William A. "Bud," Jr. (Susan) Martin, Kelley (Matt) Crowe, Kenneth "Ken" (Tracy) Martin, Stephanie Martin, Paul (Jenny) Martin, Mary (John) Pulte, and James "Jim" Martin.

She was a devoted and beloved "Gramma" to her fifteen grandchildren, whom she cherished dearly: Cailin, Maggie (Nick) Galassini, Aidan (Lissy), and Amelia Crowe; Will, Nora, and Alice Martin; Charlotte, Jack, Ben, Liam, and Nevin Pulte; and Chelsea, Ryan, and Jillian Martin; and a proud great-grandmother to Tessa Kathleen.

Memorial Mass: Friday, October 4 at 11:00 am at Sacred Heart Church in Divine Mercy Parish, 1077 Tower Road, Winnetka, IL 60093.