Marie L. Martel

Marie Martel, 69, of Somersworth, NH, passed away unexpectedly July 06, 2022. She was born October 27, 1952 in Jacksonville, FL a daughter of the late Lionel G. and Mildred T. (Kimball) Martel.

Long-time social worker with a Master’s degree in Psychology, Marie’s love survives through her children Katrina Martel and John Gigas ; grandchildren Owen Martel and Aubrey Hanson-Martel;

Seven siblings; Gerald (Ingrid) Martel, Patricia Hood, Robert (Anita) Martel, David (Julie) Martel, Joseph (Tammy) Martel , Carol Martel and Cindy McQuade, several nieces and nephews,

life-long friend Jonathan Hodgdon and countless others that have been blessed by her presence throughout her life.

In College, she applied for a summer grant from Dartmouth to establish the first Environmental Library for the college. She was awarded the money and set up the library with card catalogues in a special room at Baker Library.

Years Later in 1999, while being a single mother of two children, she wrote a grant for a Youth Center in Somersworth, NH. She would use that money to open a safe place for teens to go after school.

She had spaces for computers and studying, but also pool tables and video games to get troubled teens off the streets or temporarily away from abusive homes.

Marie loved spending time with her children and grandchildren more than anything else; she always made sure they knew they were loved.

She never took life too seriously and loved being silly. She loved giving names to things; squirrels in her back yard, her stuffed animals, her plants, cars and even a winter mitten of her son’s that she has had since 1990.

(The winter mitten, “Baak”, lives comfortably in Washington State with her son) She also loved camping, reading, writing, hiking, horse-back riding, talking to anyone who would listen,

being outdoors, learning, trying new things, beaches, “scenic vistas”, teaching, asking politely to pet your dog (yes yours), dancing, singing, laughing, crying,

playing cards with her girls Robyn and Shirley and having some drinks with friends and family. In short, she loved life and all the pieces that made it whole be it happy or sad.

Marie was a people person; charismatic, honest, sincere, and kind. There was no judgment in her heart when interacting with anyone.

She believed all people were capable of kindness and that all were deserving of it as well.

Throughout her life she displayed a multitude of acts of selflessness and many times housed and fed those in need. She lived by the “Golden Rule”,

 and made sure her children knew it as well. That being said, she must have wanted hugs, because she gave them to EVERYONE!

She didn’t live a life without struggles, but always had extra time for those in need.

Her family was always the top of her list, but that never subtracted the time and effort she gave to others.

From her children’s  friends whose parents were going through a rough patch, older individuals that needed some

extra company or helping some of the boys that went through her care at the Malley Farm Boys Group Home.

Marie’s Love and forgiveness knew no bounds and as a result she remained jovial and almost unburdened by the struggles of life.

If you would like to pay your respects and have a chance to say goodbye come to Lucas & Eaton Funeral

Home in York, Maine from 11 AM to 1 PM. A graveside service will be held at Brooks Memorial Cemetery in

Elliot, Maine at 2 PM. All are warmly welcomed and hugging is encouraged.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marie L. Martel, please visit our floral store.