Nancy Ann Martin, age 60, of We’koqma’q First Nation, Nova Scotia, entered eternal life on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at the Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital. Nancy is survived by her husband James Martin, her children: John (Lucinda), James, Nigel (Destiny) and Megan (Antle). Her sisters: Beverly, Carol, Marjorie, and Charlene, and brother Charles. Her precious grandchildren: Stannis Reid, Luther John, Raelynn Jean, Roya Pearly, Kyler James, Luca Joseph, Maverick Avery, Harlow Wren, and Ivey Reign. Her godchildren: Madonna, Kylee, and Andromeda along with her aunt Anna (Andrew Joe). She is predeceased by her father Simon, her mother Gladys, and her brother Vincent.
Born on September 1, 1965, in Baddeck to Gladys and Simon Googoo, Nancy was a lifelong and devoted Catholic, she belonged to the Parish of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha. Nancy’s strong faith in the Catholic Religion was truly amazing. Nancy followed a strict routine of daily prayer, bible readings, active acts of charity, and she used her rosary daily to meditate on the life of Jesus. She followed the pilgrimage of St. Anne, the grandmother of Jesus, to Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre’ annually. Her faith took her to Medjugorje Bosnia, a trip that spiritually deepened her beliefs. Her devotion brought her comfort and calm as she took her last breath.
Nancy began her career as an Administrative Secretary which opened a whole new world to her. She worked and lived in Ottawa for ten years then moved back to We’koqmq’q to raise her family. When she received her Social Work Degree she was committed to helping her people in our Mi’kmaw communities. She worked in Elsipogtog, New Brunswick at Mi’kmaq Child and Family Services and eventually came back home to We’koqma’q to be closer to family. She took a position as Band Designate in Wagmatcook and later as Manager of Prevention and Wellness. Nancy always came back home because her love for family was strong.
She and her husband Jim, whom she met in Ottawa, lived life to the fullest and were proud parents to 4 children who grew up and gifted them 9 beautiful grandchildren. Her unconditional love for her grandbabies was extraordinary. Her love will be felt in the stories being shared at her wake and through the many photos that will be on display. Nancy lived a full life and adored her elders who she had fond relationships with all throughout her life. She passed her precious time during this difficult journey of sickness by listening to her music, journaling, writing letters, and keeping her faith in prayer. Her last days were surrounded by her devoted husband Jim, her children, grandchildren, siblings, family and friends. Nancy was not afraid. On August 13, she raised her arms and surrendered to Jesus. The only comfort left for her grieving family is that she is no longer in pain. Until we meet again, our beautiful angel, may you rest in peace.
The wake will start at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, August 25 at the We’koqma’q Community Hall, 15 Reservation Road. Funeral service will be on Thursday, August 27 at 11am. It will be officiated by Father Joby Augustin at the Holy Trinity Church in We’koqma’q First Nation.
The family would like to thank the We’koqma’q Health Centre Staff who gave so much care and love to Nancy in the last 14 months and to the Hospice staff at the Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital. A special thanks to Dr. Ritter who walked with her on this journey and made her last few months calm and pain-free. Wela’liek.
