Martha Lee d’Ablemont
Born June 6, 1925 – December 26, 2019
94
Of Boston, born in Natick to James and Marguerite Lee.
She was preceded in death by her husband Gerald d’Ablemont II, her sister Joann Lee Farrell, and brother Robert E. Lee. Martha grew up in Wellesley and attended Wellesley High School. As a teen during the war, she did her part by serving with other young women as a Red Featherette. She graduated from Vespa George Art School, in the Back Bay, of Boston. She worked at Smith Patterson, the premier jeweler and sterling flatware retailer at the time, as their in house artist. She specialized in the “pen and ink” technique to design all of their intricate print advertising before photographing was in vogue. One of the highlights of her career was when she was selected to draw the renowned Hope diamond inside a protected vault in anticipation of its American tour. After their chance meeting on a plane from New York City, Martha and the love of her life Jerry, married in 1954. Married for 63 amazing years they were a model of an adoring and tender relationship filled with laughter and countless simple moments appreciating each other. As a horticulture enthusiast, she was an active member of garden clubs in Wellesley, Bronxville, New York, Dover, Delaware and finally the Osterville Garden Club. In each club she held various posts, from Chair of the annual garden club’s flower show to President. Martha was awarded either a blue ribbon or Best in Show for her flower arrangements in every flower show competition in which she participated. She had a passion for ikebana, which came naturally to her. This ancient Japanese art form’s purpose is to bring out the inner quality of flowers and express emotion.
Jerry was her biggest fan. Martha had an endless open ear for her children. She spent untold hours on the phone reassuring and supporting them. In particular, she reveled in all of her children and grandchildren’s’ experiences, no matter how small. What also brought her great joy was the way her family expanded through the inclusion of her compassionate and dedicated aides. She felt that they were a gift in her life. Martha was a model for kindness, celebrating the beauty in others. Her gift to everyone in her life was her radiating appreciation of you in the moment. She had an uncanny ability to connect with all people she met because she felt real joy and honor in having the opportunity to know them. Martha is survived by her four children, eldest daughter Lauren d. Ragland of Elkins, West Virginia, her son-in-law Earl Ragland, of Washington, North Carolina, son Gerald d’Ablemont, III, and daughter-in-law Stephanie d’Ablemont, of Greenville, South Carolina, daughter Amy d’Ablemont Burnes and son-in-law Ethan d’Ablemont Burnes, of Boston, daughter Leslie d. Feeley and son-in-law Steven Feeley of Waxhaw, North Carolina. In addition to her children she is beloved by nine grandchildren, Andreas Addison, Forrest Ragland, Gerald d’Ablemont, IV, Jackson d’Ablemont, Orly Burnes, Jasper Burnes, Ruth Burnes, Quinn Feeley and Devon Feeley. She is also survived by her cousin Arthur Casavant of Needham.
Visiting hours at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home 477 Washington St. (Rt. 16) Wellesley on Friday, January 3rd from 4-8pm. Funeral from the funeral home on Saturday, January 4th at 9:30am, followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Cecelia's Church 18 Belvidere St. Boston at 11am. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Interment St. Patrick Cemetery, Natick. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Martha's memory to Good Shepherd Community Care 90 Wells Ave. Newton, MA 02459.