1921 – 2013

AUBURN — Arlene A. Martin, 92, passed away on Friday, Sept. 27, at the Androscoggin Hospice House with her family by her side.

She was born in Lewiston, March 7, 1921, a daughter of the late Earl Bradford and Mabel Snow Austin. She married her high school sweetheart, Roland L. Martin, on July 3, 1941, and they celebrated over 71 years of marriage together until his death on Oct. 19, 2012.

She graduated from Edward Little High School in 1939 and from Pelletier’s School of Beauty Culture in 1940, where she obtained her degree and license. She left hairdressing and then worked at Eastern Distributor’s in the office, working there until she joined her husband in the U.S. Army Corps. She traveled with him and lived in Texas, Alabama, New Mexico and returned home to Auburn when he went overseas.

When he returned from overseas duty, they lived in Auburn before moving to Portland and Manchester, N.H., where her husband was employed.

Arlene was an avid knitter, accomplishing works of skill with her knitting ability doing everything from booties to afghans for family and friends. She was a Girl Scout leader and was active in a Christian young people’s group while in New Hampshire. Arlene’s other hobbies were many; she raised African violets, did ceramics and was a born leader, giving much time to civic organizations.

However, much of her time in younger years was spent with her young daughter, Laurie, who after many years of hardships and illness, died at the age of 11 of a cerebral cyst.

In later years, Arlene and her husband spent happy times traveling in their motor home. They wintered in Florida, and took other delightful vacations to Barbados, St. Thomas, Bermuda and to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, took a cruise to the Hawaiian Islands. They also spent many summer vacations at the family cottage at Flying Point in Freeport.

Arlene was a member of the East Auburn Baptist Church and accepted the Lord as her personal Savior. Arlene will be sorely missed by her loving family.

Arlene is survived by her two daughters and three sons, Dorothy Anne and Robert Bowe of Freeport and Florida, Lawrence and Janet Martin of Manchester, N.H., John and Bonnie Martin of Saco, Mary Johnson of Auburn, and Robert and Brenda Martin of Jefferson, Vt.; her cherished grandchildren, Scott and Karen Bowe of Portland, Tim Bowe of Woodstock, Peter and Christine Martin of Manchester, N.H., Stephen and Amber Martin of Portland, Richard and Crystal Martin of Manchester, N.H., Luke and Randy Duquette of Lyman, Jake Duquette of Florida, Heather Johnson of Nashua N.H., Tim Johnson of Auburn, Kaitlin Martin of Manchester, N.H., and Ryan Martin of Vermont; and 11 great-grandchildren. She also leaves one sister, Dorothy Buchanan of Auburn; a brother and his wife, Earl and Althea Austin of Auburn; plus several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Androscoggin Hospice House and the East Auburn Baptist Church. You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the Martin family by visiting their guest book at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.