Obituary of Martha Ann Joseph

Martha Ann Joseph of Saginaw, Michigan, passed away March 5, 2022 at age 85.  Martha Ann was born November 13, 1936 in Saginaw, Michigan. She was preceded in death by her parents Charles Peter and Martha (Nester) Corcoran, sister of Rosemary Howley, brother Peter Corcoran and her husband, Thomas B. Joseph.  Martha Ann, a beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, is survived by son Tom Joseph (Katherine), daughter Molly Joseph, son John Joseph (Susan), grandchildren Amy Hughes (John), Kaitlin Miller (Ryan), Rebecca Joseph, Emily Bridgeman (Andy), Carly Joseph, and Robert Joseph.  Her loving great grandchildren include Jacob Hughes, Lena Hughes, Natalie Hughes, Simeon Hughes, Madison Miller and Brooks Miller.

Martha Ann graduated from Saginaw St. Andrews High School and then Marquette University in 1958.  Following college, Martha worked as a journalist in Kalamazoo, MI and as congressional aide to Senator Philip Hart in Washington DC.  She was married to Saginaw Attorney Tom Joseph from November 25, 1961 until his death in 1996.  Martha Ann and Tom enjoyed living in Saginaw, playing golf, tennis, and horse racing.

Martha Ann served as Chairman of the Board of Field Neurosciences Institute (FNI) from 1996 until 2022.  She was an ardent champion of the mission of FNI - research, prevention and treatment of neurological disorders and injuries – through her fundraising and awareness efforts, which she truly enjoyed.  She also served on the Board of Directors for Saginaw St. Mary’s Ascension Hospital and as a client liaison at the Saginaw law firms of Joseph, Wolf, Endean and Staley and Braun Kendrick Finkbeiner PLC.  Martha Ann loved living and working in Saginaw and giving back to Saginaw.  Martha Ann was a proud recipient of the Spirit of Saginaw award in 2001 which recognized her dedication to the community through volunteerism.

Martha Ann had a passion for University of Michigan sports (Go Blue!), spending summers in Tawas, and spending time with her family and many friends.  Martha Ann went out of her way to help anyone in need and was extremely generous to everyone.  She loved and supported all her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews and never missed an opportunity to attend a graduation, sports event, or concert.  Martha Ann, affectionately called “Mimi” by her family, will be sincerely missed.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 9, 2022 from 3:00 to 8:00 pm at Deisler Funeral Home 2233 Hemmeter Road (off State), Saginaw, Michigan 48603.  A Vigil Service will take place at 7:00 pm. 

A Funeral Liturgy will be held Thursday, March 10, 2022, 11:00 am at St. Dominic Parish, St. Stephens Site, 1310 Malzahn St, Saginaw, MI 48602.  Family will receive friends from 10:00 am until time of service at the church.  In lieu of flowers the family asks for you to consider a donation to the Field Neuroscience Institute or St. Dominic Catholic Church.

Deisler Funeral Home is honored to serve the Joseph family. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church, or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.