Mary J. Martin

Mary J. Martin – North Andover, MA

Mary J. Martin, 85, formerly of Rochester and Salem, NH, passed on to eternal life on August 6, 2025 at the Andover Forest Post Acute Care Center in North Andover, MA.

Born in Springfield, MA on May 28, 1940, she was the daughter of the late Dr. John P. and Mary G. (Lynch) Martin and predeceased by her three brothers: Daniel J. Martin, John P. (“Buffer”) Martin and James J. Martin.

Highly valuing education, she excelled in her studies; receiving a BS from Trinity College, Washington, DC and an M.Ed. from Boston University, Boston, MA. Mary’s passion for teaching began in 1960 in Holyoke, MA. She retired in 2001 from the No. Andover Public Schools, where she taught Introduction to Physical Sciences and Chemistry for over 35 years. She was highly respected by both staff and students. A dedicated teacher, Mary was not only interested in her students’ academic achievements, but in their personal development as well; focusing on building their character by celebrating their individual talents. She especially enjoyed taking her students on a Whale Watch, where she took pleasure in watching their excitement. Her adventurous spirit led her to spend her summers traveling out West where she took courses in Animal Sciences, Botany and Astronomy. Upon returning to school in the Fall, she incorporated her newfound knowledge into her curriculum.

Her Catholic faith was a pillar in her life; serving as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister and on the Parish Council in both Salem and Rochester, NH, the latter where she retired to. 

Mary enjoyed golfing with her brother “Buffer”, reading, gardening, Astronomy, the seashore, and in her younger years, horseback riding with her niece Colleen, as well as showing her English Bulldogs at dog shows with her mother. In her later years, she enjoyed participating in recreational activities and socializing with her friends on the patio at Andover Forest while bird watching. Fiercely independent, she lived life courageously and on her own terms.

She is survived by her nieces/nephews who affectionately called her “Joanie”: Colleen Martin of Newburyport, MA; Kathleen Martin of Lawrence, MA; James (Shane) and Annmarie (Daly) Martin of Dracut, MA and Frank Martin of Lawrence, MA., with whom she enjoyed spending holidays and family celebrations.

Arrangements are under the care of the Dewhirst Boles Funeral Home, 80 Broadway, Methuen, MA. At Mary’s request, Calling Hours and Burial Services (Pine Grove Cemetery, Salem, NH) are private. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at her former parish, Mary Queen of Peace, 200 Lawrence Rd., Salem, NH 03079, on Wednesday, August 13 at 10:00am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the MSPCA at Nevins Farm, 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA, 01844.

Please visit www.dewhirstbolesfuneral.com to sign the online guest book.

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