Martha Eleanor St. Laurent, née Oldenbrook, 74, of Carmel, California died surrounded by her children on May 26, 2017.

Born in Winchester, Massachusetts on December 22, 1942, Marty attended Reading Memorial High School where she was a cheerleader and excellent student. She attended University of New Hampshire in Durham, New Hampshire where she was a member of Alpha Xi Delta and studied Spanish.

Marty was a devoted mother and dedicated herself to raising her five children. While living on a farm in Rochester, New Hampshire, she spent countless hours taking her kids to sports, Gunstock, sheep shows, camping, helping with book reports and art projects all while managing the sheep flock, the chicken coop as well as the pigs, who often escaped from their pen. Her home-cooked meals, Thanksgiving dinner and stuffing are legendary. Marty welcomed her children’s friends with open arms, creating an atmosphere of warmth, joy and companionship at home. After raising five children, Marty worked at Easter Seals and at the Hope School in Rochester, New Hampshire, where she made a difference in students’ lives as a special needs teacher.

In 1999 Marty reconnected with her high school sweetheart, Captain Ronald Blake USCG (Ret). For almost two decades they traveled between their homes in Boothbay Harbor and Dunnellon, Florida, entertaining friends and family and hosting many lobster feasts, always accompanied by their fluffy black and white cat, Emory.

Marty was an avid reader, a strict grammarian and a master of language. She loved playing Jeopardy and was a passionate New England Patriots fan. She adored her grandchildren and loved to share their milestones with friends on Facebook. Marty was a great listener and conversationalist who inspired many to share their life stories, and she never forgot a detail.

Most recently, Marty enjoyed living in Carmel, sitting on her deck with a view of the Pacific, while a steady stream of family visited her home. Her spirit will live on in her five children and grandchildren.

Marty was predeceased by her parents, Gerrit and Martha Oldenbrook; and her sisters, Joanne Wall and Carol Twyon.

Surviving family members include her children, Paul St. Laurent III of Ruther Glen, Virginia, Michele Seifert of Carmel, California, Sandra Vergara of Bethesda, Maryland, Andre St. Laurent of Carmel, California and Becky Melchior of Bethesda, Maryland; grandchildren, Kara, Grant, Celia, Sierra, Ivan, Zack and Teddy; and sister, Nancy Oldenbrook of Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

A memorial will be held Saturday, July 1 in East Boothbay. For more details please contact Becky Melchior at becky_stlaurent@yahoo.com.