Born August 2, 1947, “Letty” was a natural caregiver. As a registered nurse, Letty held jobs in several states including Wisconsin, New York, and Vermont before becoming the “out island” nurse in Hopetown, Bahamas. For four years she was the sole medical provider there. She moved to Burnsville in 2002, finishing her career as a hospice nurse. Hundreds of Yancey County families benefited from Letty’s deep presence and caring heart before she retired.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Dick Martz, her brother, Terry Johnson, and her sisters Sandra Kay and Brenda Johnson. She is survived by two sisters, Nikki Fuchs, Nikki’s daughters Christine and Mary Davis, Mary’s children Hannah and Jeb; two stepdaughters, Dianne and Wendy Martz and Dianne’s two children, Sarah and Mathew McGonagle. Having had no biological children, in 2006 she became the unofficially adopted “Nana” to Lillian Polgar, who also survives her. She was blessed over the last few years to have loved and been loved by an old high school friend, Jay Haag. We will all miss her terribly.
Letty will be remembered as a tirelessly giving and loving person. She always had a sweet spot for those who had it hardest. There is nothing Letty wouldn’t do to ease the suffering of a soul in need – human or animal.
Please make memorial donations to Compassionate Care WNC, the hospice organization where she finished her career and whose amazing staff lovingly cared for her in her final days.
