Nanette Mangano Martin

Nanette Mangano Martin passed away on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at the WVU Medicine—Thomas Memorial Hospital, South Charleston, West Virginia, surrounded by her loving family and close friends. Nanette fought a long and valiant battle against pancreatic cancer. Although there is no cure for this disease, it never overcame her love of life and beautiful spirit. Nanette was born in Charleston, West Virginia, on January 8, 1964, the beloved younger daughter of Joe and Nancy Mangano of Smithers. Her loving and kind nature was evident early on, when as a child she made friends with schoolmates, shop owners, and neighbors throughout Smithers, and in nearby Montgomery. In high school, she was a good student, gracious to others, and showed talent in art and music. Her beautiful drawings and calligraphy were used in school and community projects, and eventually she developed a talent for cake decorating. With her mother as her first helper and baker’s assistant, Nanette created thousands of beautiful and delicious cakes—centerpieces for celebrations of birthdays, showers, weddings and community gatherings. Nanette developed her talents in music, studying piano, flute and voice, and joining the music programs at Valley High School, as well as the Charleston Youth Orchestra. She continued her music studies and graduated with a degree in music education from West Virginia Institute of Technology in 1987, where she was a member of the marching band, wind ensemble, jazz band and the Tech Singers. She studied under nationally acclaimed professors at W.Va. Tech, including Drs. Charles Martyn, Fred Myer, Olive Myer, Donald Riggio, and Eva Cardea. More than a gifted performer, Nanette brought a warm spirit and unwavering encouragement to her fellow students. In 1995, Nanette married her high-school sweetheart, Mike Martin of Montgomery, at her home parish, Saint Anthony's Shrine Catholic Church, in Boomer. The couple made their home in Charleston, where they raised two sons, Michael and Dominic. Her parents moved to their home in Charleston, where Nanette cared for them until the end of their lives. Nanette was an extraordinary daughter, wife, and mother—devoted, nurturing, and endlessly supportive. Though gentle in spirit and deeply empathetic, she was also strong—steadfast in her love, her values, and her care for others. Her love for her family was the steady center of her life, and she poured herself into making a warm and joyful home. She had a gift for hospitality and delighted in opening her home to others, hosting gatherings filled with music, laughter, and bountiful celebration. Though a standout musician, Nanette’s greatest calling was as a teacher and mentor. Through private lessons and her long tenure at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church and Elementary School, she inspired hundreds of young musicians who are deeply grateful for her guidance and encouragement. Beginning at Saint Francis in 1989, she served in multiple roles over 36 years—teaching second grade, fourth grade, art, and music. Her children’s choirs were extraordinary, sometimes including more than 80 percent of the student body, with up to 90 child singers. She was a role model, a teacher, and a friend—someone who nurtured not only musical excellence but a deeper faith in the Lord, and in life. One young student noted, “Mrs. Martin is not getting us ready for high school, she’s getting us ready for college!” As the church music director at Saint Francis, Nanette directed music for Mass and led the adult choir. Whether she was working with children or adults, Nanette made music joyful, approachable, and a cherished part of everyday life. It was her personal mission to prepare all her students to act independently, with grace and dignity in everything they did. Raised in the Catholic faith, Nanette didn’t just profess her beliefs—she lived them. Her kindness, generosity, and outreach to all was remarkable, and she touched everyone she met. She was a Life Member and sponsor of the West Virginia Symphony League, a past president of the Pilot Club of Saint Albans, sang with the Community Chorus of Charleston, was a patron and member of the Charleston Community Music Association, and a steadfast supporter of countless church and community events. She is survived by her husband of 30 years, Mike Martin of Culloden; their sons, Michael and Dominic; her mother in law, Sue Martin; her sister in law, Andrea Martin Craven (Todd), her nieces Gina Morrison Ware (Lenny), Patti Morrison Corbett (Kevin) and Dr. Nicole Morrison Wiley, DO (Chad); her nephews Matt Morrison, Esq., (Bobbi) and Samuel Craven; many cousins, grand-nieces and nephews who adore their “Aunt Nanette,” and her entire Church family. She also leaves behind a wide and loving circle of friends, former students, and colleagues who will forever cherish her warmth, laughter, and unwavering support. Nanette’s legacy of friendship is as lasting and vibrant as the music she made—a gift that lives on in the hearts of all who knew her. She was predeceased by her parents, Joe and Nancy, her sister Jeanette Mangano Morrison, and Jeanette's husband, Mike. A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, July 19, at 11:00 a.m., at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, in Saint Albans, with co-celebrants Father Sojan Xavier and Father Casey Mahone. Visitation at 9:30 a.m., and a reception to follow. The family extends a heartfelt thanks to Dr. Jamie Meeks, MD, and the other physicians, nurses, and clinical associates at WVU Medicine—Thomas Hospital, for their compassionate care. Memorial donations may be made to the Saint Francis of Assisi Children's Choir, 525 Holley Street, St. Albans, WV 25177. You may visit Nanette’s tribute page at BartlettNichols.com to share memories or condolences with the family. Bartlett-Nichols Funeral Home, family owned and located at 409 Sixth Avenue, St. Albans is honored to serve the Martin family.

Nanette Mangano Martin

January 8, 1964 - July 12, 2025