Martha J. Lima

Martha J.(Rycroft) Lima

May 3, 1935 – October 30, 2025

Martha J. (Rycroft) Lima 90, of Nashua, NH, formerly of Lexington, MA, passed away peacefully on October 30, 2025.

Born and raised in Lexington, Martha was the daughter of the late Lexington Police Chief John W. Rycroft and Grace (Day) Rycroft. She graduated from Lexington High School with the Class of 1954 and remained in her cherished hometown for many years raising her family before settling in Nashua.

Martha was predeceased by her beloved husband, retired Lexington Police Captain James J. Lima Jr., with whom she shared 66 years of marriage. She was also predeceased by her son John "Jack" Lima of Seminole, FL; her sisters Mary O'Connor, Mildred Furdon, Marjorie Szili, Madelyn Donovan; and three grandchildren Brandon, Tiffany, and Jonathan, who passed in 1984.

Martha is survived by her children: Pamela of Spotsylvania, VA; James and his wife Diane of Nashua, NH; Timothy of North Reading, MA; and her daughter-in-law Diane, widow of Jack, of Seminole, FL. Martha was a proud grandmother to Kevin, Alexandra, Danielle, Christopher, Timothy, Kathleen, Cameron, Courtney, Kendall and four great-grandchildren. She will also be fondly remembered as a dear Aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Martha dedicated 50 years of service to her community while working as a school crossing guard in Lexington and later as a school bus driver for the towns of Lexington and Bedford. Her gentle spirit and steadfast presence touched countless lives.

Creative and kind-hearted, Martha found joy in knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, and ceramics. She was also an avid sports fan, with a lifelong enthusiasm for golf, football, baseball, and hockey. Above all, Martha cherished time spent with her family and friends-whether gathered around the dinner table, celebrating milestones, or simply enjoying each other's company. Her warmth and laughter made every moment more meaningful.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, November 7, 2025 at 11:00AM at Sacred Heart Church, 16 Follen Road, Lexington, MA. Visiting hours will be held prior to the Mass at the Douglass Funeral Home, 51 Worthen Road, Lexington, MA, from 9:00 to 10:30AM. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Interment will follow at Westview Cemetery, Lexington.

Her legacy of love, strength, and service will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Martha's memory to the Community Hospice House of Merrimack, NH.