Martha A. Bernier

"If you are reading this, you will know that I have taken my last ride along Ocean Boulevard and walked through my gardens for the last time." - Martha
Martha A. Bernier, 80, of Kensington, N.H. passed away Wednesday, October 1, at her home.
Born to Paul and Margaret Wiggin of Hampton N.H on March 2, 1945 she lived her childhood there until her graduation from Winnacunnet High School in 1963. It was in Hampton that she made childhood friendships that would go on to last a lifetime. She often reminisced about growing up on the beach and would tell many happy stories of spending time at the ocean and as she got older, working there with her best friend Ginny. She was featured on local postcards of Hampton Beach and competed in the Miss Hampton Beach Contest when she was 17 years old. Throughout her life, she was never without her beautiful smile and signature red lipstick. Her love of the ocean carried on into her adult life. Our family was fortunate to own several boats over the years including a commercial fishing boat named the SEAHAWK. The boats were moored in Hampton Harbor, near where she fished as a child with her mother and father. On any given weekend, she would pack a cooler full of sandwiches and the family would head out to the Isles of Shoals to fish or just enjoy the scenery. Her flower and vegetable gardens were another great joy. She had a greenhouse that she loved, and even in the Winter would go just to enjoy the smell of the dirt. She had a small stand at the end of the driveway where she sold tomatoes and cut flowers for many Summers and often said that during this time she felt happiest and healthiest.
She worked as an office manager for two large real estate companies on the seacoast until her early retirement to take care of family. She made friendships during her career that would span decades.
Most importantly, she was a devoted mother and grandmother (Mimi). Our mother lived her entire life for us. Every moment was dedicated to her family. Every achievement of ours, no matter how great or how small, meant everything to her. Whether she was cheering from the bleachers at hockey games, listening to stories about our day at work, or attending events for her granddaughters, we always heard "I'm so proud of you." She spoke about the unshakeable power of family. She protected us, defended us, supported us, and loved us unconditionally our entire lives. We loved her equally in return.
In her last years, she would say, "I never really had a lot of hobbies. I just wanted to be with my kids." Thankfully for us she was... and always will be.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Norman Bernier, her sisters Pauline Hopkins and Margaret Smith, and her infant great-granddaughter Liliana Grace.
She leaves behind her children Denise Bernier and Eric Bernier (Danielle), her beloved granddaughters Gabrielle and Lauren, her sister-in-law Judith Poisson, her nephew John Poisson, her niece Nancy Poisson Battles, and their families.
It was our mother's wishes that we extend a thank you to the staff of the Oncology department at Exeter Hospital, Dr. John Brennan, and the staff of the Hospice team that cared for her. Everyone made her feel very special and we appreciate that.
Calling hours will be held at Brewitt's Funeral Home 14 Pine St. in Exeter on Sunday, October 19th from 2:00-4:00 p.m.
For more information visit www.brewittfuneralhome.com