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SHUTESBURY - The Massachusetts Disability Rights community lost a tireless and accomplished advocate with the passing of Martina Carroll on Saturday, July 12, 2014, at the Hartford Hospital, a result of complications following surgery.
Born Sept. 21, 1956, in Abington, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late Thomas J. and Myra T. Carroll. Her family lived in various locations throughout New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and California, as they followed her father's career in the electronics industry. She also spent many summers at her family's home in Stone Harbor, New Jersey.
Martina believed in being a voice for progress, with an interest in law, and was a lifelong, passionate activist. She earned a bachelor's degree in international environmental studies from Cook College (Rutgers), an AS in Computer Information Systems from Greenfield Community College and a master's degree in organization and management from Antioch New England Graduate School. She was a trained mediator, had worked in the Greenfield Community College Development Office and participated in the Franklin County Reinventing Justice project in Greenfield.
A voracious reader, Martina could always be found with her current reading selection in hand, her next book nearby and an audio book in her car. She was constantly on the lookout for new releases by the likes of John Irving, Barbara Kingsolver, Archer Mayer, T.C. Boyle, Sheri S. Tepper, John McPhee, Jasper Fforde and Terry Pratchett. This love of reading inspired her daughter, Tegan, to become a librarian.
Martina was an accomplished farmer and gardener. With Michael Friedman, her husband of 15 years, Martina raised Boer goats at Levity Farm in Shutesbury. After moving to Massachusetts in 1981, she managed Hop Brook Farm, a market garden operation in New Salem, with her then spouse, John Mannino.
She is survived by her husband Michael B. Friedman of Shutesbury, daughter Tegan C. Mannino (Robbie Gunter) of Belchertown, and step-sons Nicholas Buckminster of San Jose, California, and Daniel Buckminster (Erin) of Amherst. She is also survived by her cousin Patrick Carroll (Lama) of Holyoke, sisters Mary Costello of Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, and Martha C. Vollmer (Mason) of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, as well as other family members in Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
A systems advocate at Stavros Center for Independent Living in Amherst, Martina tracked local, state and federal disability issues, advocated and lobbied with legislators and government agencies and played active roles in numerous state demonstration projects and efforts. She also chaired the Shutesbury ADA Committee.
Martina was remembered by her co-workers at Stavros as having "a deep and abiding commitment to disability rights, and a deep and abiding impatience with bureaucrats, nursing homes, and progress that was too slow. These qualities made her a ferocious advocate." Martina will be missed deeply by her family, friends and those she has helped - but even more by those whose lives she was yet to touch.
A memorial service is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 24, at 1:30 p.m. at the Munson Library in South Amherst.
More about Martina can be found at the remembrance website, www.martinacarroll.net, and at www.douglassfuneral.com.
To sign a Guest Book, express condolences, share memories and read other obituaries, go to www.gazettenet.com/obituaries.
10 Entries
This is a poem I wrote about the loss of Martina and others in my the movement and my life: http://breaksintheverse.blogspot.com/2014/08/in-this-place.html
Martina Robinson
August 31, 2014
So sorry to learn of your loss. Martina always impressed me with her dedication and energy. I will miss her, as will so many others.
Lisa Appleton
July 28, 2014
Our organizing/advocacy community has lost a tireless, dedicated activist. We'll miss Martina's kindness, humor, and her ability to articulate what really matters. My sincere sympathy to all who loved her.
Linda Stone
July 28, 2014
So sorry to hear about your loss Mike, your wife sounded like a wonderful person and will be missed by many. May your heart and soul find peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Mary Wiseman
July 24, 2014
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
DS
July 23, 2014
Praying for you.
Bill Venman
July 23, 2014
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead. I know the pain.
betty agin
July 22, 2014
Martina, I can't believe you're gone. You were always one of the most genuine and generous people I know. I hope Heaven is ready for your advocacy!
michaelann bewsee
July 22, 2014
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
ANITA COLON
July 22, 2014
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
July 22, 2014
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