MELROSE — Martha L. (Martel) “Marty” Ashman, 89, a longtime resident of Melrose, passed away at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital on Thursday, Jan. 8.
Martha was born in Chelsea on May 21, 1925, one of four children of the late Albin and Sylvia (Cuskey) Martel. Raised in Melrose, she graduated from Melrose High School and was a lifelong resident of Melrose. She worked in Boston at State Street Bank for many years in administration. She was a loving and devoted wife to her late husband Fred.
In her free time, Marty tried to enjoy life as much as possible. She loved to laugh, even at her own expense, and found humor everywhere. Marty was always kind, often giving everything she had to those around her. She made arts and crafts for her family and friends and delivered Christmas gifts to the neighborhood children for years.
She had a special love for children, as well as animals. She had several shepherds and labs that she cherished as if they were her own children. Marty was an animal lover and supported any organization the promoted the treatment of animals. She had a special talent for arts and crafts, loved knitting and, in her younger years, loved camping with her husband Fred.
Marty was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary at the Harold O. Young VFW Post #2394, and the Order of the Eastern Star. She was also a longtime member of the Trinity Episcopal Church in Melrose.
Most of all, Marty was a big hearted person who was always generous to her family, friends and neighbors. She will be lovingly remembered and missed by all who knew her.
Marty was the beloved wife of the late Frederick A. Ashman Jr. with whom she shared 53 years of marriage. She was the loving sister of Stanley P. Martel and his wife Lorraine of Saugus and the late Bruno P. Martel and his wife Hazel of Malden and Henry W. Martel and his wife Barbara of North Carolina. She was the cherished aunt of many loving nieces and nephew.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor and remembrance of Marty’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Monday, Jan. 12, from 4 to 8 p.m. and again on Tuesday for her funeral service celebrated at 10 a.m.
Interment in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose.
Gifts in Marty’s memory may be made to the Northeast Animal Shelter, 347 Highland Ave., Salem MA 01970.
For online tribute or to share a memory, visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
