Martha Ailine Belanger completed her earthly journey and joined the Lord in Heaven on Monday January 29th. Martha was born on April 30, 1942, in Grand Falls, New Brunswick, Canada to the late Dollard and Alphena Page Belanger. She was one of seven children. Always outgoing and adventurous, Martha studied to become a secretary before leaving Canada at the age of 21 and venturing to Connecticut to begin the next chapter of her life. Even though Martha spoke English as a second language, as she was French-Canadian, her determination and persistence allowed her to quickly find administrative work for a large insurance firm in Hartford, CT. It was during this time that she met the man who would become the father to five of her children, Joseph, at a YMCA dance. Joe will tell you that he saw her instantly across the room, drawn to her infectious laughter. They went for a grinder and that led to marriage and five beautiful children. Although the marriage ended in divorce, the two remained lifelong friends. 

After years in offices Martha changed careers and went into healthcare, eventually retiring as a CNA helping people in their homes. Martha was known to be among the most loving and selfless people you could ever meet. Her time was spent helping others, not just those she worked with, but especially her children. Never one to put herself first, Martha’s every thought and action was in the service of others. A devout Catholic, her daily prayers included all members of her family both in the US and Canada. 

Always full of love and a zest for life, Martha caught the eye of another gentleman, Paul, and together they had Martha’s sixth child. Paul and Martha were together for over 35 years before Paul’s passing in 2020. 

Family was everything to Martha. She could often be found with at least one of her children but If Martha was with one of her children, she would call another, and another, and before long plans were being made for a family outing to a park, or beach, or a meal, or just a nice visit. She was happiest when all her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were gathered enjoying food, music, singing, and dancing together. Martha, along with most of her family, especially loved to dance. Martha enjoyed the simple, often overlooked things in life. A ride in the car made her smile, as did a simple hot dog, and let’s not forget the grinder that led to five of her six children, or donuts with Paul. 

Time in nature was an important part of Martha’s life. She walked every day and would watch the birds and admire the flowers, seeing the beauty in everything from a finch or wildflower to the brightest Cardinal and most delicate rose. She would also point out the various creatures as they went about their activities. Martha loved animals and spent time caring for her many dogs and cats over the years.

Martha was greeted in heaven by her parents, three of her siblings, her daughter Suzanne, her grandson Andres, and her longtime companion Paul. 

Martha is forever loved and missed by her children Dorine, Anna Ponchita, Bella, David, and Paul Shawn; 10 grandchildren, Taja, Vanessa, Maya, Sean, Harmony, Juan, Aurora, Alizea, Fernando, and Starlight; seven great-grandchildren, Annabell, Owen, Odin, Ellabell, Odysseus, Melanie, and Adorabell, and many nieces and nephews. 

Arrangements are with Douglass Funeral Services in Amherst, MA. Calling hours will be Monday February 5, 2024, from 4-6PM. The Funeral Mass will be Tuesday February 6, 2024, at St. Brigid’s Catholic Church, Amherst, MA at 11:00AM followed by burial in Wildwood Cemetery. 

Memorial Guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com