Martha Ruth Mackin, 96, of Madison, WI, died September 17th, 2019. She was born August 30th, 1923, to William and Bess (Turner) Howard, in Houston, Texas. Marty received a B.A. from Pittsburg State University in 1944 and an M.S. in Chemistry from Iowa State University in 1945. In 1947, she married John Howard Mackin. They lived in Chicago, IL, then Evanston, IL. He preceded her in death in 1996. From 1947-1953, Marty was a chemistry instructor for returning servicemen, on the G.I. Bill, at the University of Illinois Chicago campus at Navy Pier. She went on to teach chemistry at Truman College, from 1960 through 1993. At age 65, Marty received the 1988-89 Distinguished Professor Award from the Chicago City Colleges. A voracious learner, she enjoyed visiting museums, attending plays, volunteer ushering, and reading. She traveled to every continent except Antarctica. Marty always fought for and supported social justice and environmental causes. During her time at the city colleges, she took on the roll of strike captain while on strike for better teaching conditions.
Marty is survived by four children: Joanna Mackin (Duane Wenzel), of Honolulu, HI; Lynne Wolforth, of Hilo, HI; Ross (Shirley) Mackin, of Thailand; and Scott (Becca) Mackin, of Merrill, WI; three grandchildren; and countless friends.
Funeral on Saturday, September 28, 2019 at 3:00 at Midvale Community Lutheran Church, 4329 Tokay Blvd., Madison, WI. Visitation at 2:00 at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Union of Concerned Scientists or Doctors Without Borders.