Reine Martin

Reine "Rena" Martin, 85 from Woodbury, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 8, 2025. She was born on August 14, 1940 in Edmundston, New Brunswick, Canada, the daughter of the late George and Gloria (Boucher) Pelletier. Reine was a devoted mother, memere, mother-in-law, and wife of the late Harold Martin.

Reine immigrated to the United State and met and married the love of her life Harold Martin. They owned the Roadside Diner in Frenchville, Maine before moving and settling to Newington, CT. Reine worked hard all her life and kept the household going, raising her daughter with love, compassion and support after the death of her husband Harold. She was an inspiration and mentor to her daughter and a best friend and fashion stylist to her granddaughter.

She loved spending time with her siblings, her nieces and nephews, her in-laws and her friends. She was always eager to go to Canada and visit her family or talk to them on the phone. Reine loved her yearly vacations with her family to Cape Cod and most recently to Rhode Island. Her pronunciation of English words with her French accent would often make those with her giggle as she repeatedly tried to say them correctly. She loved going to the French Club and Knights of Columbus to play charlamaign a French card game and dance to one of her favorite songs Lady of the Lake. Reine loved going out to eat, watching her soap operas, Everybody Loves Raymond and Hallmark Christmas in July.

Reine is survived by her devoted daughter Jocelyne "ti-nange", her son-in-law Peter Karam whom she considered a son and most importantly her cherished granddaughter and best friend Malynda "baby doll" whom she was so very proud of. In addition she leaves behind her sisters Mariette and Gerald Tobin of Edmundston, Jacqueline and Simon Bezeau of Miscou Island, Mireille and Jeannot Vigneault, Quebec, her brothers Conrad and Gaetane Pelletier of Edmundston, Aldege and Susan Pelletier of Ontario, Canada and Raymond Pelletier of Bristol, CT. Reine is predeceased by her siblings Louise Pelletier, Claire Chasse (Wilfred), Verna (Ed) Golotko, Jocelyne Pelletier, Bob Pelletier, Emile (Diane) Pelletier and her cousin and best friend Mary Jane (Roger) Mailhot.

The Martin-Karam family would like to express their deep and grateful thanks to Reine's very special caregivers Tracy, Nicole, Savina, Karina and Mr. Wilson whose compassion and care made them family. The family would also like to thank all the other wonderful and caring staff from River Glen Health Care Center in Southbury and Hartford Healthcare Hospice.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, December 20th, 2025 from 9:00am to 10:00am at O'Brien Funeral Home, 24 Lincoln Ave., Bristol followed by a procession to St. Matthew Church, Bristol for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30am. Per Reine's wishes, the burial will be private.

To leave an online message of condolence, please visit Reine's tribute page at www.OBrien-FuneralHome.com