Martha M. "Higgins" Dullea

PEABODY – Martha Dullea was well-loved and she touched the lives of many with her warmth and kindness.

Martha was one of four children born to Katherine (Walsh) and Fredrick G. Higgins. She is predeceased by her sisters Mary Anne (Higgins) Donnolly and Maura Higgins and her brother, Frederick (Ted) Higgins, Jr. As a young woman, she attended Nazareth Academy, living with her cousins in Danvers and riding the train to school in Wakefield. In 1963, she married Leonard Dullea in a family ceremony at her mother's home. Together, Martha and Lenny spent the next 61 years raising their family and building their lives.

Martha was a devoted mother to her children: Leonard Dullea, Jr., Christine (Dullea) Pierga, Brian Dullea, and James Dullea. Her love extended to her grandchildren: Matthew Pierga, Joshua Pierga and his wife Helena Pierga, Nicholas Dullea, Ryan Dullea, and Jacob Dullea. She was also blessed with a great-grandchild, Elliott Pierga, who she loved dearly.

Martha spent many years working at Salem Hospital as her family grew. She worked in several roles during those years, including as a labor and delivery practical nurse and medical secretary. Martha's dedication to her family was evident as she structured her schedule to work evenings and nights while Lenny worked days, ensuring that their family was always cared for.

Martha's love for her family extended beyond her husband, children and grandchildren. She was a devoted aunt to her nieces and nephew and their children, never missing a birthday and always celebrated for the "bottomless" birthday bags filled clothes and fun items. As a grandmother, she was deeply involved in her grandsons' lives, attending their school and extracurricular events, and supporting their interests and efforts. Her unwavering support and love, coupled with her conviction that her grandchildren were perfect, made her their unending champion. She was a grandmother that all her grandsons (and yes, all grandsons!) were so lucky to have in their corner.

Martha's legacy of love, care, and devotion will forever be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to attend Martha's visitation and celebration of life which will be held at O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 167 Maple St., (Rte. 62) DANVERS on Sunday, August 3rd from 4 to 7 P.M. In lieu of flowers, donations in Martha's memory may be made to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan St., (Suite B-102) Danvers, MA 01923 or online at CareDimensions.org/Donate. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.