Marie J. (Flathers) Martin, 91, passed away peacefully at Mary Immaculate Nursing/Restorative Center in Lawrence on Wednesday, October 12, 2016 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Marie was born September 27, 1925 in Lawrence to the late Margaret (Kelley) and Charles Flathers. Marie was a graduate of St. Patrick’s High School and Lowell State Teachers College class of 1947. She taught in the Lawrence and Salem, NH School Systems. After raising her six children, Marie returned to teaching, first as a volunteer and then as a teacher at the Lawrence Adult Learning Center teaching English as a second language.
After her retirement she spent many hours researching and documenting the genealogy of her and her husband’s families; even learning to record it on the computer in her mid-seventies. The summers were spent at their beach house in Salisbury creating wonderful family memories.
Marie was a lifelong member of St. Patrick Parish in Lawrence where she was a member of Our Ladies’ Sodality, taught Pre-Cana, was a lector among many other ministries. Her Catholic Faith was always at the center of her life.
She is survived by her husband of nearly 64 years, Francis D. Martin of Lawrence. Her children Margaret Martin of Lawrence, Daniel and his wife Corinne Martin of Methuen, Charles Martin of Salisbury, Claire and her husband David Coco and Donald Martin of Methuen and Mary Lou and her husband William Kennedy of Atkinson, NH. Her grandchildren Alyssa Coco and her fiancé Jacob Elwell, Jeffrey, Caitlyn and Patrick Martin and Connor and Liam Kennedy.
She is also survived by her sister Patricia and her husband Albert Taylor of North Andover and her brother Neil and his wife Eleanor Flathers of Hingham. She was predeceased by her brother Charles Flathers and sisters Marguerite McEvoy and Eleanor Morris.
The family would like to thank the staff of Unit 2A at Mary Immaculate Nursing Home for the great love and care they gave Marie over the past 2 years. It brought great comfort knowing she was there.
In Lieu of flowers donations can be made in Marie’s memory to Mary Immaculate Nursing/Restorative Center, 172 Lawrence Street, Lawrence, MA. 01841 or Cor Unum Meal Center, 191 Salem, Street, Lawrence, MA 01841. Calling hours will be on Friday, October 14, 2016 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the John Breen Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., 122 Amesbury Street, Lawrence. Her funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 15th, 2016 at Saint Patrick’s Church, 118 South Broadway, Lawrence, MA. Burial will follow in the Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in North Andover, MA. For more information or to send online condolence please visit our website at: www.breenfuneralhome.com