Dr. Melody MacMartin

Dr. Melody MacMartin had a light that will never go out and brought a spark to all who she encountered. A beacon of love, compassion, and a raucous good time, people were drawn to her the second she entered a room. Dr. MacMartin passed away peacefully January 22, 2025, on her beloved island of Sint Maarten following more than a decade living with adult-onset Muscular Dystrophy. Her husband of 49 years and college sweetheart, Dr. Craig MacMartin, DDS "Mac" was by her side. Even in death, the disease never got the best of her, with her life being filled with joy up until her final days. Melody was born December 21, 1951, to Elouise Bratton Mercer and Rev. Dr. William Douglas Mercer. From a young age Melody was determined to forge her own path and chose to pursue a career in Medicine. She graduated from North Farmington High School and Albion College (1974) where she met her husband and a host of lifelong friends including her Kappa Alpha Theta sorority sisters. Upon graduation she continued her studies at Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (1978) where she obtained her Doctor of Osteopathy degree. Dr. MacMartin was a successful, respected, and loved Family Practice Physician in Metro Detroit for nearly 40 years, owning Livonia Medical Center for 29 years. Throughout her career, she was a known leader in the field of women's medicine particularly in the areas of osteoporosis and bone density. She believed in bringing empathy and humor to everything she did and would often be seen hugging her patients and heard laughing with them over the latest jokes. Melody was a third-generation member of the Detroit Athletic Club and member of Orchard Lake Country Club (OLCC). She was an accomplished and fiercely competitive tennis player, who played on the travel team for many years for Franklin Racquet Club. After hanging up her racquet, she became an avid golfer and was known for being the first woman ever elected to the Western Golf and Country Club Board of Directors (WGCC). She also had a deep love for scuba diving, snow skiing, and water skiing. Melody shined as bright as the sun and loved basking in its light An ideal day was to be out on the boat on Orchard Lake with Mac and a host of friends, solving the problems of the world, enjoying a glass of wine, and reciting a limerick. However, nothing brought her more joy than when their family joined them. Of all her accomplishments, those involving family were her greatest. The sun rose and set with her son, Scott MacMartin and her grandchildren Aly and Brady. Never a fan of early rising, Mel would happily get up at the crack of dawn for any hockey game or dance performance involving the kids. They brought endless pride and delight to her. She had an incredible bond with her niece Heidi Hedquist and adored her nieces Brittany Daniels (Ethan) and Allison MacMartin. She also loved her "honorary" nieces and nephews that she amassed over the years, all of whom lovingly called her, "Aunt Mel." Although she and her sister Marily Sampson (Clint) were very different, they were best friends. From a memorable sister day at Wimbledon to an epic trip to San Francisco with Heidi and Scott, they made time to build memories together, always. Through everything Dr. MacMartin faced, she never lost her zest for life or indomitable spirit, facing each challenge with grace and humor. Mac and Mel discovered St. Maarten in the 1990s, and returned annually, making it their winter home. It seems fitting that she would exit this life on the island that she loved. A place where the sun shines as brightly as her spirit. The "Friendly Island" that draws people to its warmth and feeds their souls with laughter and love. Melody is survived by her husband Craig, their son Scott MacMartin (Leah) and grandchildren Aly and Brady. A Celebration of Life Open House is planned for May 18, 2025, from 1-4 p.m. at Wonderland Lanes in Commerce Township, MI. In lieu of flowers please donate to: Please help us make Mel's Memorial as iconic as she was by sharing a video, photo, or story we can incorporate into the day, by emailing MemoriesofMel2025@gmail.com or posting to the Tribute Wall on the obituary page.

Dr. Melody MacMartin

December 21, 1951 - January 22, 2025