Martha James

1933 - 2023

Martha James

Norwich, VT - Martha Ann Watkins James passed away at her home in Norwich, surrounded by family, on November 12, 2023. She was 90 years old. Born in Columbus, Ohio on February 27, 1933, Marty grew up in Westerville, Ohio. She attended Denison University, where she majored in English, met her future husband Douglas, and graduated in 1955. After teaching school in Cleveland for one year, she and Doug married in 1956 and moved to Boston, where she taught at the Michael Driscoll School in Brookline, MA from '56-'60. In the summers, she and Doug worked at the Taylor Statten Camps in Algonquin Park, Ontario, where they shared a love of the northern lakes.

Following Boston, Marty and Doug lived in various locations, including returning to Westerville while Doug served as a physician in Vietnam. They arrived in Norwich in 1968, and raised four children. Marty initially taught nursery school and then ESL, becoming deeply involved with refugees newly arrived to the Upper Valley. Her creative energy was endless, and included upholstering and refinishing furniture, early-American stenciling, sewing and gardening. She was devoted to the Norwich Congregational Church and to her community, ready to volunteer, whether at the fair rummage sale, delivering a meal, or helping run the town's Christmas pageant. In 2015 she shared Norwich's Citizen of the Year award with Dan Fraser.

Marty loved the outdoors, especially canoe tripping, and loved her family, friends, and pets too numerous to mention. Cheerful and enthusiastic, she had a generous heart, and cared deeply about other people. She loved a good laugh, and was a mother to many.

She leaves behind her husband Doug, her children Tim (Suzanne), Cathy (Chris), Sally, Tom, Sroy (Vina), and grandchildren Andrew, Dylan, Eric, Sophia, Laura, Peter and Pichtalylia. A memorial service is planned for next spring.