1923 – 2003

PORTLAND – Alma Almeda Titus Martin, 80, of Cumberland died Oct. 22, at Cedars Nursing Care Center after a long illness.

She was a daughter of Rethwell and Doris Leslie Titus, was born in Leeds, Aug. 3, 1923, and grew up in North Auburn where she attended school and the local Methodist church. After graduating from Edward Little High School in 1940, she worked for Ward Brothers Clothing Store in Lewiston until her marriage to her childhood sweetheart, Thomas Emerson Martin May 4, 1943 in Oklahoma City, where he was stationed in the Air Force.

Their devotion to each other never waned and she was proud and grateful that Tom was such a kind and competent caregiver during her long illness. She treasured the memories of renewing their wedding vows in 1993.

The Martins settled in Portland after World War II and moved to Cumberland in 1960 with their two daughters. They renovated an old farmhouse and together made it a home. They were a great team. He could build anything she dreamed up. They built two camps on Forest Lake and after their children were grown they spent time traveling in Maine and Canada in their motor home. After they retired, they spent winters in Deltona, Fla., and part of each summer in Weld.

A warm and caring person, she exuded a love of children. Her grandchildren, nieces and nephews loved to visit Mimi and she made each one feel special. As a preschool teacher at Five Elms Country Day School in Yarmouth, she positively impacted a generation of children from Cumberland and Yarmouth who knew her as Miss Alma.

Her ability to relate to children made her a natural Girl Scout leader. Scouting was a part of her life for over 45 years, and she was best known as the Green Circle Lady traveling from troop to troop teaching girls to appreciate the diversity of mankind.

A member of the Congregational Church in Cumberland, UCC, she served the church in many ways, but none meant more to her than working with friends on the annual Christmas fair making decorations out of natural materials.

A gifted seamstress, she sewed for family and friends and was undaunted by any sewing task from her daughters’ wedding dresses and prom gowns, to dolls clothes, curtains and slipcovers. She made costumes for Yarmouth and Greely theater productions.

Family and friends were drawn to her spirit of adventure and willingness to try anything and she lived life to the fullest. She was devoted to her husband, daughters and grandchildren, and was very close to her brothers and sisters. She hosted many family gatherings and helped to create a strong extended family. She faced her illness and final days with quiet resolve, deep faith and was an inspiration to all who knew her.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 60 years, Thomas Emerson Martin of Cumberland; two daughters, Donna Martin Berry and her husband, Richard and Elizabeth (Liz) Martin Reinsborough and her husband, Thomas all of Yarmouth; her grandchildren, Gregory Berry and his wife, Dara of Framingham, Mass., Andrea Berry of Brunswick, Mark Reinsborough and Betsey Reinsborough both of Yarmouth; two sisters, Robinetta Mixer, and Clarissa Damon and her husband, Clifford all of Auburn; two brothers, Charles (Bud) Titus of Minot and Leslie Titus and his wife, Jean of Auburn; and many nieces and nephews.