Ann Margaret Martin, age 62, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2025, at her home in Riverview, Florida.
Born on October 18, 1963, in Hartford, Connecticut, Ann lived a life defined by compassion, dedication, and love. Over the years, she made her home in and around New Hampshire, Washington, D.C., Denver, and Tampa, forming lasting connections wherever she went.
Ann is survived by her beloved husband and daughters, James, Leah, and Olivia Martin; her siblings Bill and Ken McCarthy, Mary Sheehan, and Judy Smart; and a wide extended family whom she loved fiercely, along with dear friends she always held close. She was preceded in death by her father, William Edward McCarthy, and her mother, Therese Joyce McCarthy (née Murphy).
Ann dedicated her life’s work to pediatric nursing, serving children and families for more than 40 years in capacities ranging from Neonatal Intensive Care to pediatric home healthcare for the most vulnerable and in need. Over time, she evolved from hands-on clinician to agency leadership in home healthcare administration. With her extensive experience and a master’s degree in nursing and healthcare management, Ann helped organizations across the country meet the strictest accreditation standards while delivering the highest qualities of care. She was universally admired and loved for her compassion, wisdom, calm demeanor, and rare ability to patiently build bridges in highly stressful environments—always helping selflessly and mentoring without reservation.
In her personal life, Ann was a devoted patron of the arts and a tireless advocate for animals. She was a passionate voice for retired racing greyhounds, where she met her husband over 30 years ago, the ASPCA, and animal shelters across the country, and was often found at adoption events and fundraisers for dogs and cats. She was a dedicated supporter of dance and ballet and a lover of music—from classical and jazz to her beloved Steely Dan.
Ann was a fierce and loyal friend. Many will remember her quiet acts of generosity and her belief in “paying it forward,” always asking those she helped to do the same. Above all, she was an extraordinary mother and partner—the very heart of her family. From youth and college sports sidelines and school events to family holidays and travel adventures, Ann was a constant, loving presence. The fuel of her very existence came from being near those she loved in celebration of one form or another. She often claimed that she truly found her purpose on this Earth when she first held her daughter, and found it again every time she hugged her children or saw them smile. She will be deeply and sorely missed by her family and by all who were fortunate enough to know her. She loved and laughed easily and all those she leaves behind will aim to do the same.
In lieu of flowers, the family believes it would be Ann’s desire that those who wish to honor her memory consider making a donation to a charity near and dear to either their own hearts, or hers. Ann was a long-time supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which leads the world in finding cures and providing lifesaving care to children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases — families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing, or food. You can donate in her name here: https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude-now.html. St. Jude
While helping her sister battle Leukemia over the last year, Ann also became a supporter of Blood Cancer United (formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society), an organization committed to curing blood cancers and improving the quality of life for patients and families through research, advocacy, and support services. Donations in her memory can be made at https://bloodcancerunited.org/
