Nancy Lee Royce Martin Railey

Nancy was born February 6, 1942, in Chicago, to Charles and Leila Royce. Although not wealthy, her parents provided her and her three siblings with a loving home and exposure to music, art and poetry. For years, her father, after driving to work daily, drove her downtown on Saturday mornings for her piano lessons with one of the finest teachers in Chicago, Margaret Weiland.

While studying for her master’s degree at Indiana University, Nancy was deeply influenced by several great musicians, Gyorgy Sebok, Janos Starker and Walter Roberts, all of whom had survived great suffering during the Holocaust. At Kent State, while on the first of several faculty positions, Nancy met and married, Hal Martin, and together they raised two children.

Upon arriving to live in Marquette in the mid-1980s, Nancy decided to focus on her local community to increase awareness of beautiful music, especially the vast treasure of classical piano. She, along with Bob Buchkoe and Nancy Zimmerman, started the Lake Superior Piano Workshop, which continues to meet monthly and present an annual concert. She helped provide Marquette with beautiful grand pianos in four different venues.

In the mid to late 1990s, she was invited to perform twice in Germany with her sister, a professional violinist. She also has soloed with the Marquette and Keweenaw Symphonies, and in 2018, she organized the Marquette Bach Festival.

In 2002, Nancy married, Bob Railey, who faithfully supported her musical activities, especially her teaching of students of varied ages in the Marquette area.

Nancy is survived by her beloved husband- Robert, first husband- Harold, children- Anne Martin (Rich Beasley) and David (Maureen) Martin, five grandchildren- Anna Martin (Tony) Boyle; Miles Martin; Jenna Martin; Isaac and Aster Michelsen (their father- Dan Michelsen), three siblings- Norman (Sheila) Royce; Jan (Alan) Schmetzer; Paula Royce, three stepchildren- Susan Kashubeck-West; Lori (Richard) Gatmaitan; Todd (April) Railey.

Friends may call at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Saturday, July 22, beginning at 6:30 pm until the time of service at 7:00 pm, with Marcia Franz presiding and Jon Magnuson giving the homily.

A reception will follow in St. Paul’s chapel.

Memorial contributions in Nancy’s honor may be made to any social justice or environmental organization of the donor’s choice.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com