Suzanne S. Martin, 68, of Hampstead, NH, died Tuesday, May 27, 2014 at her home in Hampstead surrounded by her family. She is survived by her husband, Robert S. Martin of Hampstead; her mother Eloise C (Skinner) Spradling of Pensacola, FL; two daughters - Stacy M. Beckman of Atlanta, GA and Saraday M. Yockel of Raymond, NH; their husbands - Dill of Atlanta, GA and Philip of Raymond, NH; two granddaughters - Madilyn and Abigail of Raymond, NH; her brother Dale Warren Spradling of The Woodlands, TX; and many others whose lives were touched by her presence.
She began life as the daughter of a naval aviator, the late Mr. Warren E. Spradling and Mrs. Eloise Spradling, on September 20, 1945 in Palo Alto, CA. After several Navy moves that took her to many states and Puerto Rico, she graduated high school in Pensacola, FL. She then attended Wesleyan College in Macon, GA earning her Bachelor of Science degree.
Suzy continued her naval career when she met a young naval aviator, Robert Martin, on her sailboat in Pensacola Bay. After marrying on June 10, 1967, they embarked on a life that again brought many moves: Maine, Iceland, Florida, Texas, Georgia, and finally to New Hampshire. During this period they welcomed two daughters to the world, Stacy and Saraday.
After settling down in Marietta, GA, she was able to pursue her passion of teaching that extended over a period of 35 years. She earned her Masters and PhD in Science Education from Georgia State University. She inspired and educated students at Wheeler High School in Marietta, GA; Kennesaw State University, GA; Pentucket Regional High School in West Newbury, MA, and Northern Essex Community College in Haverhill, MA.
After retiring, Suzy focused her attention on her other passions: gardening, boating, painting and genealogy. Her membership in the Hampstead Garden Club and earning her certification as an Advanced Master Gardener filled her time between boating trips with Bob in the Gulf of Maine as members of the Portland Yacht Club. All of these activities inspired her love of painting. She captured much of the landscape and plant life that she experienced in her beautiful art work. She was also a member of the Hampstead Historical Society. When she wasn’t busy with all of those activities, she spent her time with her dear friends of the Hampstead Friday Night Group.
Following cremation, a memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 31st at 2:00 p.m. in the Church of the Transfiguration, 1 Hood Road, Derry, NH, with a reception to follow immediately after. The Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch Street, Derry, NH is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Master Gardener Program, University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension, 59 College Road, Durham, NH 03824.