MILLINOCKET – Bertha M. Martin, 83, passed away peacefully Monday, Sept. 28, 2009, at her home, in the presence of her family. She was born July 16, 1926, in East Millinocket, the daughter of George W. and Ethel (Clark) Merritt. Bertha enjoyed life, whether it be in the outdoors fishing and camping, travelling to visit her children and going on trips with her husband, or playing cards and bingo with friends. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family and cooking. She was a member of AARP, Millinocket. She is survived by her husband, Gerald Martin of Millinocket; six children, Sheila E. and her husband, Rodney Erb, of Connellsville, Pa., James D. McGowan Jr. and his wife, Arlene, of Nashua, N.H., Daniel G. McGowan of East Millinocket, Steven W. McGowan and his wife, Theresa, of East Millinocket, Kim Marie Baron and her husband, Michael, of Millinocket, and Patrick M. McGowan and his wife, Julie, of Medway; three stepchildren, Betty Morrison and her husband, David, of Kittery, Carol Daigle and her husband, Rodney, of Millinocket, and Christopher Martin and his wife, Martha, of Mattawamkeag; three siblings, Douglas Merritt of Medway, Gloria O’Donal of Winn and Alvin Merritt of Medway; 14 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and cousins. Bertha was predeceased by her first husband, James D. McGowan Sr.; an infant son, S. McGowan; and three siblings, Geneva Merritt, Charles Merritt and Beverly Smith. Friends are invited to visit with the family 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Wednesday at Lamson Funeral Home, 11 Tamarack St., Millinocket, where funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, with Pastor Dottie Hutch officiating. Interment will be at East Millinocket Cemetery. Gifts in memory of Bertha may be sent to Katahdin Area Support Group, 10 Field St., Millinocket, ME 04462. Messages of condolence may be expressed at www.lamsonfh.com.
BERTHA M. MARTIN
