Longtime Anchorage, Alaska, resident Martha Vesta Nicholson, 93, passed away peacefully at Providence Hospital on Nov. 1, 2016, with her two daughters at her side.Martha was born on Dec. 8, 1922 in Prague, Czechoslovakia. Prior to her birth, her father traveled to the United States to join her mother's family in Belt and Stockett, Mont. In 1923, her father sent for the family to come to the United States. Martha, at only 8 months old, along with her mother and five older siblings, sailed from Amsterdam, Holland, aboard the ship "New Amsterdam" in August 1923, arriving at Ellis Island, N.Y., in September 1923.She grew up in Belt, Mont., where she graduated from High School in 1941. While visiting her sister in Seattle, Wash., in 1949, Martha met the love of her life, Laurence Alexander Nicholson, at the Swedish Club where they both enjoyed dancing, particularly polkas.Laurence and Martha were married in 1950 in Salinas, Calif., then moved to Alaska (where Laurence was originally from), settling in Anchorage where they raised two daughters and shared the next 42 years together until Laurence's passing in 1992.Martha will be remembered by her family for her spunky, witty, mischievous nature, as well as her contagious giggle. She was not afraid to hold back what she thought. She enjoyed snowmachining with her husband and family. She had a big heart and love of children, she cherished her role as a grandmother; children always brought a smile to her face and a sparkle in her eye. She was also a big fan of Laurence Welk and his music.For the past 10 years, Martha had been lovingly cared for by Mary Leatherman and the staff at St. Mary's Assisted Living Home #2. Her family is forever grateful for all the love and compassionate care she received.Martha is survived by her daughters, Cathy Hokanson (Doug) and Sharon Young (David); brother, Andy Pejko; grandchildren, Aaron Laurence Young, Daniel Vanderhoff (Dawn), Karrsen Brannon-Young, Nicholas Brooks (Martina) and Staci O'Connor (John); great-grandchildren, Luke and Mary, Ryan Marie and Austin, Christian and Caitlyn. Along with her immediate family, she leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews and other family and friends whose lives she touched.Martha was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Laurence; parents, George and Nellie Pejko; sisters, Millie, Margaret, Mary and Rosie; and brothers, John, Edward and George.A visitation will be held at Evergreen Memorial Chapel, 737 E Street in Anchorage, on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016, at 12 p.m. with a service to follow at 1 p.m.; refreshments will be served thereafter.Martha will be laid to rest with her late husband at Fort Richardson National Cemetery on Monday, Nov. 14, 2016.In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Salvation Army.