Kay H. Martin

NORTH VASSALBORO — Kay H. Martin, 79, died Tuesday, Jan. 11, at her home in North Vassalboro after a long and determined battle with MS with her family by her side.

Born in Lewiston, Aug. 17, 1931, the daughter of Kenneth and Doris (Sabra McAllister) Hemphill and granddaughter of Samuel and Sadie Hemphill.

She attended Winslow High School, Class of 1949, then attended Simmons College and Deaconess, where she became an registered nurse in 1952, and began her career. Kay married Thomas O. Martin in 1953, and settled in the Amherst, Mass., area where they made a home on Shutesbury Road in Leverett.

Kay worked with Dr. Stewart in Amherst for 12 years, then worked at Deerfield Academy as nurse in charge for 6 years. Her husband, Tom, died in 1987. Soon after, Kay decided to move back to the Waterville area to be near remaining family. Kay was diagnosed with MS in 1964.

Kay is survived by nieces, Greta Hemphill Joseph, Brenda Hemphill Wright and Paula Hemphill Smiley and their families of North Vassalboro; and a nephew, Dennis O’Brian of Massachusetts.

Kay was predeceased by her parents; and her brother, Creighton M. Hemphill.