Katherine Julia Martel

Dover- Katherine J. Martel, 84, of Mones Folly Drive died on Saturday May 7, 2016 at Massachusetts General Hospital surrounded by her loving family. Born June 23, 1931 in Dover, the daughter of Leo V. and Josephine (Mahanna) Hughes. Kay, as she was referred to by family and friends, grew up in the historic Squall Point area of Dover near what is now known as Henry Law Park. She graduated from St. Mary's High School, class of 1949, and in 1953 she was a member of the last graduating class of the Wentworth Hospital School of Nursing. She worked as an RN for 13 years at Wentworth Douglass Hospital and Riverside Rest Home. She loved being a nurse and it was at the hospital where she met her future husband and love of her life Paul J. Martel, Sr. when he was a patient. Kay and her husband Paul were inseparable while raising four children, travelling to places like Germany, Ireland, Hawaii, Holland and London. In 1968 she supported him in the founding of Martel Plumbing and Heating, which continues to serve the area as a family owned business. She loved family camping trips to the White Mountains, snowmobiling, being a horse show mom to daughter Kris, supported all the kids and grandkids at their sporting events, and comforted her grandkids with her "magic apron". She loved sewing and quilting. She was an avid reader who would thoughtfully save relevant excerpts from books and magazines for family and friends. She loved to sing and dance, always with a big smile. She was a great conversationalist who knew how to put people at ease, a hit at family gatherings, she would always proclaim "this is the best party ever!". Kay loved her family more than anything else. Mem or Memmie, as she was called by her grandchildren and great grandchildren, was a true family matriarch who rewarded every report card and took a special interest in all the kids' activities. She always read and kept cherished letters from Paul's days in the service close by her side, and would often share the details when family came to visit. She loved spending time with her beloved sister Barb and her wonderful Martel in-laws whom she adored. Predeceased by her beloved husband Paul of 55 years, she is survived by her two sons, Paul J. Martel, Jr. and his significant other Mary Jayne Duyon of Dover, Peter L. Martel of Dover; two daughters, Lynda J. Robidas and her husband Ed of Dover and Kristine E. Chagnon and her husband Mike of Dover; a sister Barbara Kenney of Dover; a brother Leo Hughes Jr. and his wife Claudia of Rochester; nine grandchildren; Lyndsay Martel Salantri and husband Frank, Zack Robidas and fiance Kendra, Laci Robidas and significant other Raf, Sadie Martel and fiance Matt, Sydney Martel, Seth Martel and significant other Abby, Noah, Olivia and Anna Chagnon, six great grandchildren; Jaiden Robidas, Ava, Carter,and Harper French, Ethan and Reid Salantri, special niece Karen "Kully" Kenney, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.The family thanks Massachusetts General Hospital for the exceptional care and comfort given to our Mom."God bless you, and he does" There are no calling hours. A graveside service will be held on Thursday May 12, 2016 at 11am at the St. Mary's Cemetery, Dover Point Road in Dover. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater New England Chapter PO Box 845945 Boston, MA 02284-5945 or to St Jude's Children's Research Hospital Attn: Memorials/Honors Program 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105-9956.