Beatrice A. Martin

West Brookfield: Beatrice A. (Fortier) Martin, 69, passed away unexpectedly on November 25th, in UMass Harrington, after a brief illness. Beatrice leaves behind her four children, who were her greatest pride and deepest joy.

She leaves her loving daughter, Katelyn E. Martin and her fiancé Jeffrey Godfrey of Worcester; her beloved sons, Derek Varnum and his fiancé Mary Chipman of Charlton, Corey A. Varnum of West Brookfield, and Kyle M. Martin and his wife Brooke of Peyton, CO; her brother, Jefferey A. Fortier and his wife Sheila of Wales; grandchildren, Leah Marotta, Courtney Aime Lennon, Cassidy Varnum, Derek Varnum, Jr., Owen Rucki, Emmitt Varnum, Ava Mae Godfrey, Barrett Martin, and Klay Martin; great grandchildren, Stella Ely, Noah Ely, and Bernard Joseph Lennon VI and her life long friend and chosen sister, "Aunt" Sandy Maramo.

Beatrice was born in Buffalo, NY, the daughter of Aimee L. and Virginia Mae (Julian) Fortier.

Beatrice was a firecracker of a woman, vibrant, stylish, and full of a spirit that could light up any room. She lived with passion, humor, and an unwavering devotion to the people she loved. When she cared about you, she cared with her whole heart. Her loyalty ran deep, her generosity was boundless, and she carried a fierce fire in her soul for her family.

She possessed an incredible sense of humor, quick, sharp, and utterly contagious. She loved to laugh, and her laugh was unmistakable: warm, loud, joyful, and capable of wrapping around an entire room. It will live on in the memories of everyone blessed enough to hear it.

Beatrice was also an incredibly hard worker, dedicated, dependable, and proud of every job she took on. She loved to work and poured her effort, energy, and heart into everything she did. Her work ethic became one of her defining qualities, a trait she passed on to her children.
But for Beatrice, work was never just work. Her customers were never "just customers." She built genuine relationships with each one, remembering their stories, their families, their joys, and their struggles. People returned to her not only for her skill, but because she made them feel seen, valued, and cared for. Many became lifelong friends, forever touched by her warmth and sincerity.

As a mother, Beatrice was the very definition of steadfast love. She would drop anything, day or night, to be there for her children. Through their hardest moments and their happiest celebrations, she stood at their side, offering strength, guidance, and the kind of support only a mother like her could give. Her presence made even the toughest days feel survivable. Her pride in her children was unmatched.

Her home was always open and welcoming, filled with warmth, comfort, and more food than anyone could ever finish. Beatrice always cooked for an army. No one ever left her home hungry, unwelcome, or unloved. Between the fresh herbs she grew on the windowsill, the animals she adored, and the neighborhood raccoons she happily fed, her home was as full of life and love, as she was.

Beatrice loved to laugh, loved to work, and loved to travel whenever she had the chance. No matter where she went, she was always the most stylish person in the room, effortlessly put together, vibrant, and unforgettable. She had a presence that drew people in and a heart that kept them close.

She lived life exactly the way she wanted: surrounded by the people she loved, doing the things that brought her joy, and giving endlessly to those around her. Her kindness, warmth, humor, and unwavering support touched every person lucky enough to know her. While she will be deeply missed by many, her absence will be felt most profoundly by her children and grandchildren, who were the very center of her world.

Beatrice's legacy was one of love, laughter, strength, hard work, and unforgettable presence will continue to live on in every life she touched.

Her funeral mass will be held on Friday, Dec. 5th, from the Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge, with a Mass at 11:00am in St. Christopher's Catholic Church, 16 Sturbridge Rd., Brimfield. Burial will follow in St. Anne's Cemetery, Sturbridge. Calling hours in the funeral home will be held on Thursday, Dec. 4th, from 5:00 to 7:00pm.

The Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge, is directing arrangements.