Nancy Martin served as president of Assistance League of Bend from 2012-2014. She played a vital role in the success of the Bend chapter and touched the lives of thousands of people during her 26 years of membership.
Nancy was an authority on bylaws, policies and procedures and served as Bylaws chairman for the chapter as well as on the National Assistance League Bylaws committee. She was also an expert in strategic planning and was responsible for writing the two previous five-year strategic plans for Assistance League of Bend. As Strategic Planning chair she helped the members understand the importance of setting goals and evaluating programs on a regular basis. In addition, Nancy was an essential member of the Risk Management committee from its inception.
Nancy attended numerous National Assistance League conferences and would share the things she learned with the rest of the chapter using her excellent skills as a former teacher. She always made sure members felt welcomed and were having fun.
Although Nancy valued all the chapter’s programs, especially Operation School Bell® , she felt a real connection to the Senior Caring program. Nancy’s husband, Bill, became very ill and needed to reside in one of the long-term care facilities served by Assistance League of Bend. It was during this time that Nancy witnessed first-hand the importance of the Senior Caring program to provide much needed personal care items as well as a personal connection for seniors who may be experiencing loneliness. She would often stop and visit with the other patients and looked forward to providing holiday gifts to the residents through the chapter’s annual Secret Santa program.
Nancy passed away on June 13, 2021, after a long, courageous battle with cancer. In her honor, Assistance League of Bend has established the Nancy Martin Memorial Fund to benefit the Senior Caring program. To donate to the fund, please visit https://www.assistanceleague.org/bend/donate/
Bunker Family Funerals/Cremation in Mesa, Arizona, where Nancy lived for the past seven years, are in charge of the arrangements. Visit www.bunkerfuneral.com for more information.
