Arlene Elizabeth Martin

Auburn - Arlene A. Martin, age 92, passed away on Friday, September 27, 2013 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 October 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 US Army Corps. She traveled with him and lived in Texas, Alabama and New Mexico and returned home to Auburn, Maine 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 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 eleven 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 is a member of the East Auburn Baptist Church and has 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, Vermont. Her cherished grandchildren: Scott and Karen Bowe of Portland, Tim Bowe of Woodstock, Maine, 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, Me., 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. She has eleven great-grandchildren. She also leaves one sister, Dorothy Buchanan of Auburn, and 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.

Visitation will be at The Fortin Group/Plummer Merrill Funeral Home in Auburn on Tuesday from 10 AM to 11 AM. Funeral Services will be held at the Funeral Home at 11 AM on Tuesday. Committal services will follow at Gracelawn Memorial Park in Auburn. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make donations in Arlene's memory to: Camp Sunshine via www.campsunshine.org or to The Androscoggin Hospice House, 236 Stetson Rd., Auburn, Me. 04210. A Service of The Fortin Group Funeral Home, Cremation and Monument Services, 217 Turner St., Auburn, Me. 04210. 783-8545

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------