Kathleen Jane Martin

Bristol - Kathleen Jane (Mara) Martin, known affectionately to friends and family as Kathie, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her Bristol, Rhode Island home on Wednesday, October 1, 2025. Born on February 7, 1949, in Providence, Rhode Island, Kathie's life was a tapestry of love, creativity, and service, woven through her 76 years.

Kathie's early years in Providence set the stage for a life of warmth and family devotion. She was the cherished daughter of the late Kenneth and Florence (Detora) Mara. In 1979, she moved to Bristol, coming from Cranston, where she would establish her home and deepen her community ties. Kathie found her life partner in Robert A. Martin, and together they celebrated over 22 years of marriage, filled with mutual respect and unwavering support.

Kathie's legacy of love is carried on by her family, who were the center of her world. She was the proud mother of Eric Gagner and his wife Jennifer of Greenville, RI, and Christopher Gagner and his wife Meg of Bristol, RI, step-mother of Christopher Martin. Kathie's sister, Patricia Bose of Smithfield, RI, and a sister of the late Kenneth Mara, and her nieces and nephews, Amy Pappas, Timothy Bose, Amanda Sconiers, and Michael Mara, will remember her as a guiding light in their lives. The joy of her later years was undoubtedly her grandchildren, Nathan, Ashley, Aidan, Liam, and Riley Gagner, she was also step-grandmother of Christopher Martin Jr. who will miss their grandmother's loving embrace and creative spirit.

Kathie's life was also marked by her strong faith and community involvement. A long-time parishioner of St. Mary's Church in Bristol, her commitment to her faith was evident in her actions and her kindness towards others. Her professional life as a pharmacy tech, for CVS in Somerset , for over 40 years, was characterized by dedication and a work ethic that left a lasting impression on those around her.

Kathie's interests and hobbies were a reflection of her vibrant personality. She had an insatiable appetite for trivia, a passion that often made her the life of any gathering. Traveling brought her immense joy, as she believed in the enrichment that comes from experiencing new cultures and places. Her creative flair was evident in her love for making floral arrangements, a talent that brought beauty to the lives of many. Gardening and decorating her home and yard were not just pastimes but expressions of her love for creating welcoming spaces.

Described by those who knew her best as loving, kind, and creative, Kathie's presence was a comfort and inspiration. Her warmth radiated through her smile, and her kindness was felt in her every action. Kathie's creative spirit will continue to bloom in the gardens she tended and the floral arrangements that graced the homes of her loved ones.

Kathie's life was a testament to the beauty that can be achieved when one pours love and passion into every endeavor. Her memory will be cherished and kept alive in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her. The world is undeniably brighter for having had Kathie in it, and her spirit will continue to guide and inspire her family and friends for generations to come.

Her funeral service will be held on Sunday, October 5, 2025 at 3:30pm in the SANSONE FUNERAL HOME,192 Wood Street, Bristol.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Her visiting hours are Sunday from 1:00pm-4:00pm in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Bristol Rescue Squad ,C/O the Bristol Fire Department, 4 Annawamscutt Dr, Bristol, RI 02809, would be appreciated.

www.sansonefuneralhome.com