Administrative assistant for Planning Board, ConCom
Published in the November 24, 2015 edition
DANVERS — Martha C. Emerson, 90, of Danvers Massachusetts passed away peacefully on November 19 at home with her loving family by her side.
She was born in Lynn Massachusetts on June 20, 1925, to Charles W. and Phoebe F. (Miller) Lovett. She was the youngest of three children. Together with her brothers Miller and John, Martha grew up attending the United Methodist Church in Lynn.
Martha graduated from Lynn English High School in 1942. She attended Boston University, where she joined the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority. Martha transferred to the University of Michigan after her freshman year. Martha became president of the UM chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta her senior year. After graduating with a degree in sociology, she worked for the Bell Telephone Company as a service representative in Lynn.
Martha married Alfred Chase Emerson Jr., also from Lynn, in 1948. They first lived in Lynn, then Wollaston and Hingham before moving to Lynnfield, where they resided for nearly 40 years and raised their family. After retirement, they moved to the Tower at Ferncroft in Danvers.
In Lynnfield, Martha taught Sunday school at the Centre Congregational Church; attended town meetings; became a den mother for Cub Scouts; and volunteered for the Girl Scouts. Martha joined the League of Women Voters, where she rose through various positions to serve as president of the town chapter. She loved to tend her flower gardens; freeze and can vegetables from Alfred’s garden; camp; and travel with her family. She played tennis, golf, and loved to entertain friends and relatives at her home. She and Alfred enjoyed dancing with the Fair Town Squares. Martha worked as an administrative assistant for the planning board and conservation board at Lynnfield town hall. She would often ride her bike to work in the summer.
Martha made friends everywhere she went. She attended high school reunions and wrote and emailed sorority sisters. She enjoyed both lunches and dinners with her friends; going to Gloucester for a lobster roll; or Angelica’s for an early dinner. Every summer, she looked forward to driving her friends to the North Shore Music Theater and lunch afterwards. She loved spending time with her brother Miller and sister-in-law Ginny at their home in Meredith, New Hampshire.
She is survived by her son, Mark Emerson and his wife Jean of Townsend. She is also survived by her son, David Emerson and his wife Marcia of Coppell, Texas. She is also survived by her daughter Lee Frances Means and her husband W. Gordon Means of Carlisle. She is also survived by her brother Miller Currier Lovett and his wife Virginia Lovett of Meredith, New Hampshire. She is also survived by five granddaughters: Lauren Means of Medford; Sarah Means and Caroline Means of Carlisle; Kelly Emerson of Madison, Wisconsin; and Stephanie Emerson of Coppell, Texas. She is also survived by many wonderful nieces, nephews and cousins. Martha was predeceased by her husband, Alfred, her brother John, sister-in-law Miriam and sister-in-law Dorothy.
Her memorial service will be held at Centre Congregational Church 5 Summer Street, Lynnfield on Saturday November 28 at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Private interment will take place at Forest Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Martha’s name may be made to the Centre Congregational Church 5 Summer St. Lynnfield, MA 01940.
