MANCHESTER, N.H. – Ramona M. Martin (Lunn) went peacefully home to meet her Savior Oct. 11, 2010, surrounded by loved ones, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. Ramona was born in Island Falls, where she attended school, winning honors in elocution and debate. She went on to graduate from Forsythe University, now a part of Tufts University, with a degree in dental hygiene. She practiced in dental offices in Camden, Rockland and Portland throughout her career. In the 1970s she was responsible for a running a pilot program for dental health in mid-coast Maine. She became the “Tooth Fairy” in radio and TV spots, spreading the word about dental health. Her program influenced fluoridation programs in five counties in Maine. An accomplished pianist, Ramona played in her father’s dance band in northern Maine. After she married and moved to Camden she taught piano for many years, delighting when her students went on to advanced musical study. She inspired the love of music in many people during her lifetime. Saturday night baked bean supper was a particular family ritual! Her children still love to talk about the smell of the beans as the brown bread and hotdogs were steamed. Her hospitality was known far and wide and she would always add “an extra potato for the pot” in the event that a stranger would come to dinner. Her desire to be a blessing to others motivated her to bring a Christmas tree to a shut-in of the neighborhood each year. She passed this desire to help others along to her children. After moving to Portland she owned her own Amway business and loved helping people become successful. She was always ready to get dressed for an event and dreamed of owning her own red convertible sports car. A loving and joy-filled heart to the end, Ramona retained her cheerful, upbeat and sometimes whimsical personality even as her Alzheimer’s progressed. She was the first to make easy conversation about her disease and offer comfort to those who were struggling along with her. She loved animals and nature, marveling in God’s creation to the end. She made a particular impression on the staff at Bedford Hills Care and Rehabilitation, Bedford, N.H. She will be missed by all! She is survived by her brother, Richard K. Martin and his wife, Dottie; her companion of 20 years, George Chambers; her children, Tamara Konczal and her husband, Robert, Robin Lunn and her partner, Shayna Appel, Candace Obuge and her husband, Kenoye, and Martin Lunn and his wife, Shannon; and grandchildren, Zebediah Tracy and his wife, Nudyan Harmithasari, Amelia Tracy, Monica and Michael McDonnell, Alex, Teresa and John Konczal, Tasha and Dan Hernandez, and Nicholl Paratore. Her beloved cat, Rebe, predeceased her in March 2010. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date at First Baptist Church, Portland. A private interment will take place next summer in Crystal. Memorial donations may be made in her memory to Alzheimer’s Association; First Baptist Church, Portland; or Maine Dental Health Out-Reach, Inc., P.O. Box 275, Winthrop, ME 04364. Phaneuf Funeral Home, Manchester, N.H., is in charge of arrangements.
RAMONA M. MARTIN
