Martha Chisholm McGilvray

BELLINGHAM – Martha Chisholm (Cotter) McGilvray, 71, of Bellingham, went to her eternal reward on May 10, 2018, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease. Born in Somerville, she was the daughter of the late John E. Cotter and Isabel (Chisholm) Cotter. She was also predeceased by her brother, Lawrence Cotter and her courtesy mother, Marguerette Snell. Martha lived in Somerville, Arlington and Wells, Maine for a short time as a young child, before moving to Natick, where she grew up and met Lester P. McGilvray Jr., her soul mate and devoted husband of 53 years. They raised their family in Bellingham, where Martha lived until her last few months at Sudbury Pines Extended Care.

Besides Lester, Martha also leaves behind her sons, Michael P. McGilvray and Kenneth McGilvray both of Woonsocket; daughters, Tammy (McGilvray) Grady Brown and her husband, James Brown of Natick, Bonnie-Jean McGilvray and her partner, Martin Goddard of Bellingham; her beloved grandson, Callahan Grady of Natick; sisters Isabel Jean (Cotter) Bartley and her husband Wayne of Framingham, Mary E. (Cotter) Mespelli of Ashland, Monica Q. (Cotter) Nickerson of Holliston, Ruth A. (Cotter) Canoni and her husband Robert of Natick; brother John E. Cotter and his wife Betsy Piper of Waldoboro, Maine; brother-in-law James McGilvray and his wife Shirley of North Fort Meyers, Fla.; sister-in-law Linda McGilvray of Blackstone; her adored sister of her heart, Anna (Lavezzo) Mickle and her husband Robert of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; aunts, uncles, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Martha was an extraordinarily compassionate person. She opened her home and heart to all who knew her and a few who didn't, but who soon became adopted family. Martha loved spending time with her family and friends, and especially her only grandchild, Cal. She had a unique way of making others feel welcome. Martha was known for being spontaneous and the life of the party. Whether it be seeing how many kids could pile into her station wagon for a quick trip to the beach or DQ, dancing the night away at whatever party she attended, spending summers in Wells Beach, Maine, or just hanging outside at home by the fire pit surrounded by family and friends, Martha's love of life and the pure joy and laughter with which she lived it touched all around her. She most loved making people happy. She can rest in peace, knowing she brought warmth and love to all those who knew her.
Always giving of herself, Martha was a force in whatever she put her mind to doing both at work and personally. Martha volunteered her time in the community through many venues. She was an active member of St. Blaise Parish, an assistant Cub Scout den leader, an assistant Girl Scout leader and a CCD teacher. An exceptional fund-raiser (those who knew her know it was impossible to say no to her) and someone who could talk anyone into anything, she channeled her passion and energy into loving support of friends and family in need.

Funeral will be held on Saturday, May 19, at 8 a.m.  from CARTIER'S FUNERAL HOME, 151 South Main St. (Route 126), Bellingham, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9 a.m. at St. Blaise Church, 1158 South Main St., Bellingham. Interment will follow at Union Cemetery, Bellingham. Visiting hours will be at the funeral home on Friday, May 18, from 5 to 8 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. To sign guest book visit www.cartiersfuneralhome.com

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Martha's memory to Alzheimer's Association: http://act.alz.org/site/TR/Events/TributesAlzheimersChampions?pxfid=472188&fr_id=1060&pg=fund