Nancy Martin

Nancy Elizabeth Martin passed away peacefully on July 14, 2025 at the age of 82. She was born in Minneapolis on July 15, 1942 and grew up in Farmington. Nancy attended Bethlehem Academy in Fairbault and after graduating in 1960 attended cosmetology school in St. Paul. She quickly established herself in the industry as a talented hair stylist working at several salons in the Twin Cities. She developed lifelong relationships with her clients and coworkers and took pride in making anyone sitting in her chair feel special. Nancy was the eldest of seven and formed strong bonds with all her siblings as their lives evolved. She always looked forward to gathering with them for holidays and celebrations. Nancy was married twice and found true love in her life, first with Jim and later with Jerry. She was a devoted mother who would do anything for her sons and truly believed in them. Nancy was also a godmother and grandmother and she never passed on the chance to spend time with them going shopping or playing games at her house.

Nancy will be remembered as an independent, elegant woman who worked hard and enjoyed exercising and fashion. She always wanted to look her best. She loved being on the water and traveling - cruising on Lake Minnetonka, tanning at Lake Harriet, touring the sites of Italy or just reading romance novels and relaxing on the shores of Florida, everyone who knew her has a boating or beach memory. Nancy enjoyed cooking - lasagna for birthdays, cookies for Christmas or a salad with great dressing. She loved a piece of toast with butter on "nice bread" and liked ketchup on just about anything. Nancy cherished her close friends, whether is was attending concerts, going to Mexico, or just connecting to chat, she was always willing to listen and share her honest opinions. Nancy enjoyed life to the fullest and woke up everyday with a positive outlook that gave optimism to those around her.

Nancy was the Daughter of Donald Martin and Mary Kay (Reiter) Martin. Preceded in death by sister Maureen O'Brien, husbands James Cognetta and Gerald Anderson, sister-in-law Danielle James, nephews David Donald Peterson and Steven Martin. Survived by brothers Michael (Adela) Martin, John Martin and sisters Mary Ella "Mella" (Adrian Stetler) Martin, Christine (David Peterson) Martin and Teresa "Terri" Martin. Sons Anthony Cognetta, Christopher (Nora) Cognetta. Niece Bridget (Connie Kauppi) O'Brien. Nephews Michael John (Jill) Martin, Alex (Monica Gil) Martin. Grandchildren James, Dominic, Cora, Audrey Cognetta. Great-niece and nephews Daniela, Dustin, Michael Devon.

Burial and graveside service at 11:30 AM on Saturday July 19th at Resurrection Cemetery, 2101 Lexington Avenue South, Mendota Heights with gathering to share stories immediately following.

Memorials should be sent to the organization of the donors choice.