LOWELL—Katherine M. (Bailey) Martin, 78 years old, died Tuesday morning, June 8th, at her home. She was the wife of Rodger F. Martin, with whom she celebrated 56 years of marriage in September of 2003.
She was born in Clinton, on July 4, 1925, a daughter of the late George F. and Elizabeth (Heagney) Bailey. She was one of sixteen children and was a graduate of Fitchburg State College. She received her Masters Degree in Education from Lowell State College.
Mrs. Martin had been employed by the Lowell School Department and served as an Elementary School Principal for over 15 years at four local schools: the Riverside, Colburn, Ames, and Eliot Schools. She was elected to the Lowell School Committee and served two terms. She was honored by the City of Lowell when the Library at the Shaughnessy School was named for her. She was also one of the honorees of the Martin-Alumni Athletic Complex, on Rogers Street, Lowell. She was a communicant of St. Margaret’s Church.
Surviving her besides her husband are four sons and daughters-in-law: Rodger F. and Linda Martin, Jr., of Southbury, CT; Brian J. and Elise Martin, of Lowell; David P. and Melissa Martin, of Exeter, NH; and Peter F. and Lainey Martin, of Lowell; two daughters and sons-in-law: Kathleen Martin Whittaker, and her husband Forrest, of Lake Forest, IL; and Elizabeth Martin McNamara, and her husband Kerry, of Centerville, MA; five brothers and four sisters-in-law: James Bailey, of Clinton; John and Mary Bailey, of Lancaster; David and Nancy Bailey, Brendan and Karen Bailey, and Phillip and Barbara Bailey, all of Clinton; a sister: Joan E. Bailey, of New London, CT; 22 grandchildren, four great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
She was the mother of the late James S. Martin.
Friends may call from 3 until 8 PM on Thursday, June 10th, at the MAHONEY FUNERAL HOME, 187 Nesmith Street, (Rte. 38), Lowell. Her Funeral Mass to be offered Friday morning, June 11th, at 11 AM at St. Margaret’s Church, Lowell. Burial in St. Mary Cemetery, Tewksbury. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Lahey Clinic; Philanthropy Department; 41 Mall Road; Burlington, MA 01805.