SPRINGFIELD – Theresa M. (Courtney) Martin, 88, of the East Springfield section of Springfield, was Called Safely Home on Friday, April 25, 2025. She was born in Springfield on July 25, 1936, a beloved daughter of the late Raymond P. Courtney and Lillian (Wakefield) Courtney Dugan. She was raised in Springfield, graduated from the Technical High School and was a lifelong resident of the city. She was a communicant of Mary, Mother of Hope Church in East Springfield where she was a member of the choir. In life, Theresa was kind and generous with a perfect combination of wit and sense of humor. Theresa had a distinct ability to light up a room with her smile. A music lover, she always had a song to sing. Whether at home doing chores or with her choir family, any visitor would enjoy hearing her beautiful voice or soft hum. She was a very special person and loved a good lady's chat. She loved to play cards weekly with Sandy and Tess her dear departed friends, meet with her social club once a month, and share a meal with her good friends Pat and Paul Rivest. Theresa exuded charm like no other, making connections wherever she went. Although she enjoyed her time at home, Theresa loved vacationing all over New England, from the Concord Hotel in the Catskills, NY to Hampton Beach, NH; she would always come home with a great story to share. Outside of social endeavors and travel, Theresa lived for her family. She very much enjoyed being a mother and a grandmother. Theresa was energetic, always interacting and playing with her grandchildren; providing them with feelings of happiness and security. Her selflessness ensured that no one ever wanted for or needed anything; be it a home cooked meal, new school shoes or a ride to the bus stop, Theresa always put her family first. Some of her fondest memories were of cook-outs, clam bakes and holiday meals served in her home surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She always said that those were the happiest days of her life. Theresa's legacy and light will continue to shine in all who had the privilege to know and love her. She was predeceased by her beloved husband and soul mate, Richard W. Martin, Sr. who was Called Home on August 6, 2023. They were married on June 25, 1955 at the former Holy Family Church in Springfield and were blessed with over 68 years of happiness together. She leaves her six loving children, Lynn M. LaFleche, Susan I. Martin and Paul D. Martin, all of Feeding Hills, David P. Martin and Thomas M. Martin and his partner, David, all of Springfield, and Kenneth J. Martin and his wife, Kim, of Chicopee; her nine cherished grandchildren; her 13 cherished great grandchildren; her dear sister, Marguerite Wendt of Germany; her dear brother-in-law, Daniel Martin of Springfield; and her many dear nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family members and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her beloved son, Richard "Ricky" Martin, Jr. who was Called Home on July 7, 1981; and her two dear brothers, Richard Courtney and William "Billy" Courtney. Her relatives and friends are invited to attend a visiting hour on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the St. Pierre - Phaneuf Springfield Chapels, (413-737-1177), 7 Chapin Terrace, Springfield, MA 01107, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in Mary, Mother of Hope Church, 840 Page Boulevard, Springfield, MA 01104. Her burial will follow the Mass at Saint Michael Cemetery, 1601 State Street, Springfield, MA 01109. In lieu of flowers, her family requests that memorial donations be made in her memory to Mary, Mother of Hope Church, 840 Page Boulevard, Springfield, MA 01104. For more details and to leave her family condolence messages, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com
