OLD LYME — Margaret “Peggy” Ann Martel, aged 91, passed away Nov. 16, 2023, in Old Lyme, surrounded by her children. Born in Skowhegan, Maine Aug. 16, 1932, she was the daughter of Eugene and Katherine McBride.
She was raised in Watertown, Mass., with her late brother Paul McBride. After graduating from Saint Patrick’s High School, she enjoyed working as an operator at the telephone company. In 1953, she married Robert P. Martel of Manchester, N.H., and went with him to his Navy post in Pearl Harbor. They returned to Massachusetts to raise their four children and resided in Belmont and Lunenburg, before settling in Wellesley for many years, until retirement.
Peggy was a lifelong learner. While raising her children, she always made time to continue her education and took university classes with a focus on the Russian language, politics, history and literature. She later worked at Babson Reports and the Wellesley Public School System where she served as the secretary to the principal at Bates Elementary School until her retirement. Peggy also held the role of administrative support professional’s representative in the Wellesley Teacher’s Union-an accomplishment she took pride in, particularly as her grandfather was president of the Typographical Union in the 1920s. In addition to their day jobs, she and her husband owned, rented and maintained several homes in Wellesley; Peggy was a handywoman alongside her husband on weekends.
Upon retirement, Peggy and Bob split their time between Cape Cod and Florida, and enjoyed hosting family visits. They travelled the U.S. and liked seeing new places. After the death of her husband of nearly 50 years, she took extensive trips overseas including China, South America, and European countries. Peggy was a woman of many interests. She spent many hours quilting, crocheting, painting and doing needlepoint. She followed the news very closely and had a keen interest in the stock market. She was an avid reader and a frequent visitor to public libraries. Peggy took great joy in writing and was active in multiple writing groups. In her final years, her writings included a comprehensive life memoire, a short work of fiction and extensive short pieces.
She is survived by her children: Laureen Martel (Alfred Kausel) of Venice, Fla., Timothy Martel (Wendy Greene) of Lexington, Mass., Julie Martel (Fred Behringer) of Old Lyme, and Christopher Martel of Sudbury, Mass.; and her sister-in-law Anne McBride. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren: Madeleine Kausel, Alana and Ilise Martel and Sarah, Eric and Hannah Behringer. Peggy was the architect of memorable family vacations that they all remember fondly.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to your local public library. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
