Martha Joseph
November 13, 1936 - March 05, 2022
Obituary
Martha Ann Joseph of Saginaw, Michigan, passed away March 5, 2022 at age 85. Martha Ann was born November 13, 1936 in Saginaw, Michigan. She was preceded in death by her parents Charles Peter and Martha (Nester) Corcoran, sister of Rosemary Howley, brother Peter Corcoran and her husband, Thomas B. Joseph. Martha Ann, a beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, is survived by son Tom Joseph (Katherine), daughter Molly Joseph, son John Joseph (Susan), grandchildren Amy Hughes (John), Kaitlin Miller (Ryan), Rebecca Joseph, Emily Bridgeman (Andy), Carly Joseph, and Robert Joseph. Her loving great grandchildren include Jacob Hughes, Lena Hughes, Natalie Hughes, Simeon Hughes, Madison Miller and Brooks Miller.Martha Ann graduated from Saginaw St. Andrews High School and then Marquette University in 1958. Following college, Martha worked as a journalist in Kalamazoo, MI and as congressional aide to Senator Philip Hart in Washington DC. She was married to Saginaw Attorney Tom Joseph from November 25, 1961 until his death in 1996. Martha Ann and Tom enjoyed living in Saginaw, playing golf, tennis, and horse racing.Martha Ann served as Chairman of the Board of Field Neurosciences Institute (FNI) from 1996 until 2022. She was an ardent champion of the mission of FNI - research, prevention and treatment of neurological disorders and injuries – through her fundraising and awareness efforts, which she truly enjoyed. She also served on the Board of Directors for Saginaw St. Mary's Ascension Hospital and as a client liaison at the Saginaw law firms of Joseph, Wolf, Endean and Staley and Braun Kendrick Finkbeiner PLC. Martha Ann loved living and working in Saginaw and giving back to Saginaw. Martha Ann was a proud recipient of the Spirit of Saginaw award in 2001 which recognized her dedication to the community through volunteerism.Martha Ann had a passion for University of Michigan sports (Go Blue!), spending summers in Tawas, and spending time with her family and many friends. Martha Ann went out of her way to help anyone in need and was extremely generous to everyone. She loved and supported all her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews and never missed an opportunity to attend a graduation, sports event, or concert. Martha Ann, affectionately called “Mimi” by her family, will be sincerely missed.Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 9, 2022 from 3:00 to 8:00 pm at Deisler Funeral Home 2233 Hemmeter Road (off State), Saginaw, Michigan 48603. A Vigil Service will take place at 7:00 pm. A Funeral Liturgy will be held Thursday, March 10, 2022, 11:00 am at St. Dominic Parish, St. Stephens Site, 1310 Malzahn St, Saginaw, MI 48602. Family will receive friends from 10:00 am until time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers the family asks for you to consider a donation to the Field Neuroscience Institute or St. Dominic Catholic Church.Deisler Funeral Home is honored to serve the Joseph family. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church, or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.
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Memories
AJ
A Memorial Tree was planted for Martha Joseph
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Deisler Funeral Home
MK
Mary Klein
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Martha was a much loved and respected member of our ' Monday at 7' book club. Hearts are broken all through Saginaw and beyond. Holding you close in our thoughts.
Mary Kretschmer Klein
EM
Eileen Maguire
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Martha Ann was a beloved friend and neighbor for over twenty years. Typical of her loving and sincere disposition, Martha kept in touch even up until days before her death. My deepest condolences to Molly, Tom, and John at this very sad time. I loved your Mother very much.
Eileen (McCourt) Maguire
BS
Brian F. Sheridan
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Martha Ann was one of the larger than life figures in my life. We met in 2001 shortly after I graduated from college and was hired by Field Neurosciences Institute. We hit it off instantly and she soon began introducing me to leaders throughout Saginaw who would become the cornerstone supporters of Michigan Sports Unlimited. We traveled to Rome together in 2005 where we met Pope Benedict, took the train to Florence, and spent countless hours talking over wonderful meals (and red wine). Martha Ann was a mentor and a friend that I’ve stayed in contact with for more than 20 years. She was always in my corner. I am heartbroken that she is gone, but so thankful that she was part of my life. I’ll miss her dearly.
- Brian Sheridan
CC
Charlie Corcoran
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I am shocked and saddened by Aunt Martha Ann's passing. I spoke with her a week ago, mentioning visiting us at Tawas this summer. As usual, she was alert, positive, inquisitive – how’s my family, etc.
First memory was 1960 at her mother's (Nana) home in Saginaw, W. Hannum Blvd. Martha Ann was a recent college graduate. She drove a light blue car, perhaps a '56 Ford? She was pretty. And tall (compared to me at age 3).
Then her wedding to Uncle Tom Joseph. Lots of tall people in the reception hall. A perfect union!
I became close to Martha Ann in the last several years, learning of her keen insights and indefatigable good cheer.
She will live long in our hearts and memories , having lived a life to full measure -- helping others, loving family, positive attitude, and endless energy.
I will miss her beautiful smile!
Charlie Corcoran, nephew
Photo -- Summer '21, Tawas Beach Club
KK
Kathy Krohn
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Martha ann... she forever lives in my heart...benton road neighbors, family friends, ....the stories, the memories.....so much to share...may her memory be a blessing ....kentucky derby parties, snow storms and the tom Joseph stories...she lived life to the fullest with a huge heart......love you forever. Kathy Krohn