Lorette L. Martin

FAIRFIELD – It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Lorette Martin, the most amazing wife, mother and memere. She was truly our angel on earth.

Lorette was born Feb. 18, 1951, the daughter to the late Leo and Laurence (Maheu) LeClair. Just one of six siblings. Just like her mother she was the most dedicated and giving person. As a close family they built a bond that was stronger than anything. A true foundation of family and faith would guide Lorette through her lifelong journey.

She was educated in the Fairfield schools and was a 1969 graduate of Lawrence High School.

Lorette met her husband Joseph “Ricky” Martin on a blind date, Valentine’s Day 1969. Soon they were engaged on April 9, 1969, and married Dec. 13, 1969. Together they built a wonderful life with the addition of their four children. The four t’s: Timmy, Tommy, Terry, and Tori. Over 54 years together they gave an example of what love should be. Often, you’d find them dancing in the kitchen to one of their favorite songs.

Lorette worked hard all her life, often sacrificing her needs to give to others. Growing up there were always fond memories of her working at the Family Maheu Farm, the Waterville IHOP and Scott Paper Mill. Everyone knew of her work ethic. She always did what needed to be done. After the mill closed, she worked at Huhtamaki. While there she was given the opportunity to go back to school. Lorette became a medical coder for Maine General MDFP, and to no surprise when she retired in 2016 it took three people to replace her. Retirement meant more time with Family. Never missing a game, concert, or event for her 11 grandchildren. By far her most favorite role was that of Memere. You could always hear her in the crowd, the biggest cheerleader and the greatest fan of her children and grandchildren. She wore blue and gray with pride.

Lorette was a wonderful cook, especially her Sunday dinners or big family meals. We all knew fresh cookies meant Terry would be coming home to visit. Her cookie jar was hardly ever empty. She enjoyed drawing, gardening, playing cards with her sisters and their yearly vacation at camp. She loved crafts, often making them with her daughter and grandkids. Her generosity and selflessness were a testimony to who she was; often a staple volunteering in the MSAD 49 community, she was passionate about helping her son Tim with the Brady Martin Memorial Thanksgiving Drive every year. She’d do anything to help others in need because she was grateful for what she had in Life. Lorette was the first to bring a comforting meal or make a donation. Her warm smile made you feel at Home. She was a hugger, pulled you right in. During her illness her faith never wavered, in our hearts she was reunited with those who had gone before us.

Lorette was predeceased by her parents; her in-laws, Clinton and Doris Martin; her sister Lucille McCannon; and Grandson Brady Martin.

She is survived by her husband Joseph; her sons, Timothy (Michelle), Thomas (Kirstie), and Terry; and her daughter Tori Richards (James); grandchildren, Kimberlyn (Mike), Cody (Bri), Curtis (Katie), Katelyn (Zenawi), Kaylie (Jake), Cassie (Hunter), Preston, Allie, Cooper, and Brock; great-grandson Greyson; siblings, Paul McCannon, Geraldine Shirley, Leona (Leo) Moses, Louise (Larry) Grenier, Dicky (Linda) LeClair; many nieces and nephews, and friends that became family.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Harold Alfond Cancer Center of Maine, Maine Medical Center, and Beacon Hospice (Bri Duguay) (Felicia Poulin) for the wonderful care she received.

Visiting hours will be on July 5, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., at Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main Street, in Fairfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on July 10, at 10 a.m., at Notre Dame Church, 116 Silver Street, in Waterville. Burial will immediately follow at St. Francis Cemetery in Waterville. A Celebration of Life will be held after burial at the Victor Grange in Fairfield Center.

An online guestbook may be signed, and memories shared at: http://www.lawrybrothers.com

Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 107 Main Street, Fairfield, ME

In lieu of flowers: We would love to honor Lorette’s Legacy of Giving Back to the Community. Please donate to the Lorette Martin Scholarship Memorial Fund C/O Tim Martin. For more information, please email [email protected]