Evelyn L. Martin

June 10, 2015

F. H. S. Secretary for 46 years

Evelyn L. Martin, of Fairhaven, died peacefully at Epoch Senior Health, in Harwich, on Wednesday, June 10th, at the age of 91. She was the wife of the late Arthur Martin. Mrs. Martin was born on St. Patrick’s Day, 1924 to the late John M. Teixeira and Mary Rose Teixeira. She graduated from Fairhaven High School where she then became secretary to the principal in 1942. She served as secretary to four principals and many thousands of students over the course of 46 years. While at Fairhaven High School, Mrs. Martin served on many committees and thoroughly enjoyed assisting students in all their activities, particularly those involving drama and musical productions. She was a member of St. Marys Church, in North Fairhaven, for all of her life, serving on many church committees including the parish council. A lifetime member of St. Marys Golden Agers, she was particularly proud to serve as Sunshine Lady for many years. Mrs. Martin was also a member of the North Fairhaven Improvement Association and the Fairhaven High School Alumni Association. Throughout her many years of service to the students and faculty of Fairhaven High School and the Town of Fairhaven, Mrs. Martin was the recipient of countless honors and awards. Evelyn cherished her family above all. She was the admired and cherished mother of Janet Collette and her husband Alan of Dennis, and the proud grandmother of Kristin Bigda and her husband Bryan of Pembroke, and Allyson Collette of Dennis. She was especially thrilled to meet her new great grandson, Zachary Bigda. Evelyn was predeceased by her sister, Mary E. Olivera, with whom she traveled extensively in her retirement. She also leaves her beloved godson, John Olivera of New Jersey, and numerous nieces and nephews. Her daughter is especially grateful for the extraordinary, loving care her mother received from the staff at Epoch Assisted Living of Brewster and the staff of Epoch Senior Health of Harwich, who treated her with grace and dignity to the end. Visitation will be Monday, June 15th, from 4 to 7 pm, at the Fairhaven Funeral Home, 117 Main Street, Fairhaven. Her funeral will be at 8 am on Tuesday, June 16th, from the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:00am in St. Marys Church, 440 Main Street, Fairhaven. Burial will follow at St. Johns Cemetery in New Bedford. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to the Fairhaven Alumni Association, P.O. Box 6, Fairhaven, MA 02719.