Martine M. Begert

1918 – 2009

ABUURN — Martine Martin Begert, 91, of Lewiston, died Friday, Oct. 23, at Hospice House in Auburn.

She was born on April 8, 1918, in Lewiston, daughter of the late Fernand and Gratia (Vandal) Martin. Martine graduated from Edward Little High School in 1936. She worked for New England Telephone Co. following high school.

Martine was an active member and former president of the St. Mary’s Patronesses and was the founding president of the St. Louis Hospital Auxiliary in Berlin, N.H. Martine played contract bridge for 81 years and was an accomplished player with numerous tournament wins. A much sought-after partner, she achieved the rank of Silver Life Master while playing with her grandson, Bill Begert, in 2002. Martine was a fixture on the Maine bridge scene for decades; in 2008 she was ranked 38 of the 600 registered contract bridge players in Maine. She continued to set goals for herself. This past July she achieved 1,500 points toward the next level in Life Master status. Martine competed in many state tournaments over the years, often playing with her good friend and tournament partner, Rosemarie Goodwin.

Her enthusiasm and dedication to bridge was only exceeded by her love for home and family. In 1942, Martine married William B. Begert. They shared 57 joyous years together, raising their four children in Lewiston and Berlin, N.H., with summers at Sabbathday Lake. Bill and Martine shared a devotion to family, a love of entertaining and laughter, pride in their children and an enduring love for one another. Her beloved husband, Bill, and adored son, Jim, predeceased Martine. Son Bill and wife Jody, daughter Jane and partner Karen, daughter Nancy and daughter-in-law Mary survive her.

Survivors also include grandchildren, Bill Begert, Kary Fabbre, Tim Yirrell, Kathy Brown, Andrew Bean and Riley Rourke; as well as great-grandchildren, Alicia Noddin, T.J. and Ryan Economy, and Will and Hannah Fabbre, as well as great-great-grandchild, Blair Noddin. Her sister, Theresa, and her husband, Peter Daignault, and nieces, Suzanne, Louise and Terry also survive her. She also leaves her dear friend, Jeanine Kivus, and her many bridge friends who kept her young and active and helped in big and small ways after the loss of her husband and son.

Martine will be deeply missed by friends and family. She lived her life with dignity, a sense of style, quiet intelligence and a spark that was admired by many and continued to shine through even in her last days. Her family would like to thank the staff of Schooner Estates, the caregivers who cared for her in the last few weeks of her life, and the staff of the Hospice House for all the loving care they gave Martine.