Martha Carkin

Martha (Benson) Carkin, 95, a resident of Laconia, NH, passed away peacefully at St. Francis Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, on Monday, August 25, 2025.

She was born May 12, 1930, the daughter of Harold and Lida (Russ) Benson.

She was the beloved wife of Gordon V. Carkin with whom she spent 49 years of marriage, prior to his passing on August 25, 2004. She attended Franklin schools, graduating from Franklin High School in 1948. She worked in the office of J.J. Newberry Co. while attending school and after graduation.

In 1953, she started working at J.P. Stevens Woolen Mill. She married Gordon on May 22, 1955 and moved to Lincoln, NH. They moved to Sanbornton in 1989 and then to Laconia in 2002.

She sang in the choir and taught Sunday School in the Franklin Congregational Church. She was a member of the Lincoln Union Church and treasurer of the Lincoln Ladies Aid. She was a member of the Profile Chapter #58 Order of the Eastern Star in Lincoln. She was a member of the Sanbornton Congregational Church.

She enjoyed walking, playing cards, dancing and getting together with family. She made baby blankets and crib quilts for her grandchildren.

Martha is survived by her children Stephen Carkin and his wife Laren of Bedford, NH, Susan (Carkin) Goulet and her husband Charlie of Gilford, NH, Scott Carkin and his wife Laurie of Ogunquit, Maine and Stuart Carkin of Laconia, NH; her grandchildren, Nathan and Derek Goulet of Laconia, NH and Samuel Carkin and his wife Katelyn of Bedford, NH; her great grandchildren Jack and Emilee Carkin of Bedford, NH; her sister Helen (Benson) Boudreau of Laconia, NH, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers Hiram, William, Earl and Ervin Benson; three sisters, Dorothy (Benson) Young, Muriel (Benson) Lavalley and Mary (Benson) Hodgman.

At her request, there will be no calling hours, funeral, nor memorial services.

There will be a private family graveside service in Lincoln, NH.

The family would like to thank St. Francis and all of the staff that provided care for Martha.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lakes Region Community Services, P.O. Box 509, Laconia, NH 03247 or online at https://www.lrcs.org/giving/donate_online/.

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.