Jennifer R. Martelli
Jennifer R. Martelli
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Jennifer Martelli Obituary
And of course, her beloved Maria-the sweetest cat on earth. Though Jenn was never sure if there's an afterlife, she would love to see her Cosmo, Connie, and Dante again.
Jennifer was also a long-time member of Narcotics Anonymous, where over her 36 years clean, she forged great friendships. She passed with gratitude.
She was also devoted to progressive causes and cannot believe that this thing in the White House has outlived her.
But it was poetry and the writing community which enriched her life and gave her a sense of accomplishment. A proud member of "The Thursday Poets," Jennifer knew the power of community. In her time being a part of the North Shore writing community, her fellow poets meant the world to her. Of course, this spread beyond Salem.
(Jenn was a prolific and accomplished poet: www.jennmartelli.com )
A remembrance will be announced by the family in the coming weeks.
In lieu of flowers, send donations to either North Shore Animal Shelter or Planned Parenthood.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
17 Entries
Rebecca Olander
5 hours ago
Jenn spent time on what mattered - her family at the core, her friendships and community, protesting injustice, and her own work - and those were combined in ways that made poems that were real, fierce, funny, totally unique, and full of love. Hers was a life lived with integrity while being so very human, and so fun. She was a brilliant poet and champion of other poets, and both will live on since her support of others manifests in their work (true for me personally, and for the books she was part of choosing at the press I run, Perugia Press, where she was a reader), and she was so prolific in her own work. Then there are the ripples of goodness she made in community, and of change she made in resistance. And most of all her awesome children. All that is a kind of afterlife. My heart is with Vinny, Mia, and Michael and her sisters and whole family, with the family of poets she forged, of which I am so lucky and honored to be a part, and with Jenn. It´s hard to deal with this loss precisely because of how very excellent a human Jenn was, from the deep important stuff to the littler stuff - Who will hate mayonnaise with me in such solidarity? Who will cross bridges that scare her just to spend an afternoon together? But she was brave enough to face her end with grace and gratitude, so we have her example. I love you Jenn and will miss you forever. Sending love and care to all who feel that way - she created a wide, generous circle.
Lee Ann Alden
Earlier today
I am so incredibly sorry for the passing of Jenn. We grew up together as Colella cousins and always had so much fun at sleepovers, Christmas Eves, having Sunday dinner at Grandma's house and making up crazy spy games. We had lost touch a bit over the years and I am grateful to have reconnected through Facebook and other social media platforms. I have always been in awe at the amazing talent Jenn has and will miss her so much. Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies and prayers. Love Lee Ann and Bob
Michael McInnis
Earlier today
It was an honor and privilege to know Jenn, to publish her, and to read with her. I will miss her laugh and her magnificent Revere accent. My deepest condolences to Vinny, Mia, Michael and all her family and loved ones.
Sarah Netsky
Yesterday
I will remember the countless Saturday evenings of IAWA I shared with her since 2018--and she played a key role in helping continue this cherished monthly ritual throughout the darkest days of COVID via zoom. Her own writing was also of course wry, serious, and full of passion all at once.
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Meg Smith
Yesterday
Me and Jenn at the Town and the City Festival at lala books, in Lowell, Mass., where I live. She was to feature at this year's Poe in Lowell Festival, where will be sure to honor her great spirit and poetic legacy. Sending much love to everyone who knew and loved her.
Vicki Iorio
Yesterday
I am so sorry. Jenn was an amazing poet and human.
Thomas DeFreitas
Yesterday
I shall always marvel at the conscientious, bold, unfaltering artistry of Jennifer's poems. I admire the passion and the candour she brought both to poetry and to political commitments. But above all, I'm grateful for her many kindnesses to me, for an embracing compassion to which many of us can testify. My deepest sympathies to Jennifer's family and loved ones.
Tracey Ranauro
Yesterday
She was the writer, I am not but I will give it my best.
We were best friends since the second grade. We were best friends in junior high. And remained great friends until this day.
In elementary school we thought we were witches and cast spells by putting orange juice in those little flower stem holders and made friends drink it. We made candles in my basement and performed seances in hers. In high school, whenever I had guy problems, she was always the first person I´d call. Oh, and our adventurous trip to New York City for New Year Eve!
We shared countless laughs, from elementary to high school, to college years and beyond. I could fill pages with the funny stories between us, and even some that included my brother Scott.
Whenever a boy/guy broke our hearts, the first thing we´d ask each other was, "But... do you think he´ll call?" And, being the best friends we were, the answer was always, "Oh yeah!"
Certain phrases will always bring her back to me like "ready to go," will always make me laugh. Remembering the time she used me as an excuse with her parents-until her boyfriend walked into her house and casually said, "Ready to go."
When she got married I was so honored when she asked me to do wedding makeup.
Years later I was again honored when she stood by me as a bridesmaid at my wedding, and to this day I regret raising my voice at her and Scott for having a cigarette inside, worried the smoke might cling to my dress. Every anniversary, we laugh about it.
Jenn also gave me one of my first creative opportunities. She had trusted me to design the cover for her chapbook Apostrophe by photographing the stone pillars at Preston Beach and later, she chose one of my photos for the cover of her book The Uncanny Valley.
Looking back, I still don´t know exactly why we became fast friends. She was brilliant and constantly reading, while I was an average student but somehow, we clicked. And for that, I will always be grateful. Ours was a friendship that lasted 56 years-a gift I will cherish forever. Jennifer Martelli I will love you forever.
Margherite Caracappa Matteis
Yesterday
I met Jen through Julia, my dear friend. I saw her co-host at IAMBooks. She was so sweet. At the open mic, she asked me to read even though I am not a poet. I am glad I bought one of her poetry books. She wrote a small note in it and signed her name. May she rest in peace. Margherite Caracappa Matteis
E. Sylvia
Yesterday
My heart goes out to all who knew and loved Jenn. She was fierce, and funny, and wise, and wonderful in so many ways.
Randy Comito
Yesterday
I will remember her kindness when I was a newcomer to recovery. We served together at area and she was always a patient guardian. All my love and respect forever.
marylou defreitas
Yesterday
GOD REST HER SOUL~!! I am very sorry for your loss..
My son Tom DeFreitas was in awe of her..
Prayers going to the family.. She will always be in your heart..
MaryLou{LuLu} DeFreitas
Ron Petto
Yesterday
Andrew McCloy
Yesterday
I am so glad to have met Jenn. My thoughts and prayers to Vinny and his children.
Robin Lynne Stratton
Yesterday
We are all devastated by this loss... the world is sadder... gloomier... much less poetic. We will miss Jenn forever and ever, she made everything fun.
Rebecca Kinzie Bastian
Yesterday
Jennifer will be as missed as she was loved. I was so honored to work with her on two of her books of poetry. Working with her was remarkable. Rarely have I encountered a talented person with so much grace and humility and joy. I didn´t get to know her as well as I would have liked, but I loved her, as did countless other people, because of her involvement in the poetry community and the messages of her books. She will not be forgotten .
Steven Ciambelli
Yesterday
So sorry to hear of Jennifer´s passing , my prayers of comfort go out to her entire family..
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