Martha Ann (Hjelm) Watson, 77, of Worcester, MA passed away on January 18, 2023 after a battle with Cancer. Martha left behind her sister Madelyn DeSalvio of Worcester, MA, brother James Hjelm and his wife Jane of Laurel, MD, sister Donna Dion of Worcester, MA, and brother-in-law Albert Sargentelli of St. Petersburg, FL. Additionally, she leaves behind three grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and many dear friends.
She was predeceased by her adoring husband Donald Barry Watson, her loving son Ross Fife Jr., parents Edna (Tobin) and Russell Hjelm, siblings Jack Hjelm, Louise Voellings, and Mary Sargentelli, several nephews, and a niece.
Martha (Marty) was a lover of life. She lived in Virginia earlier in life and bred German Short Hairs. Marty could often be found on the dance floor with her Donald or at the casino with her sister Madelyn. One of her favorite places to relax in the summer was on a bench at Hampton Beach, eating ice cream, and people watching. Martha also made the best Swedish cookies that her family and friends craved all year round! She loved animals, especially her dog Buster and cat Rudy. Martha had a heart of gold and the strength of a warrior and will be sorely missed by many.
She served the Worcester community working in the ICU unit at St. Vincent’s Hospital for 20 years before retiring at 65. Prior to that she worked at Worcester City Hospital. Martha was a family person above all and spent much of her time with her siblings, nephews, and nieces.
The family would like to thank the staffs of Notre Dame Hospice and St. Francis Rehabilitation and Nursing Center for their loving and compassionate care of Martha throughout her stay there.
Calling hours will be held on Monday, January 23, 2023 from 10:30 a.m.- 12 noon in Nordgren Memorial Chapel 300 Lincoln St. Worcester, MA 01605. A funeral service will follow at 12:00 noon in the funeral home. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Veterans Inc. of Worcester or the Worcester Animal Rescue League. For directions or to leave an online condolence message, please click guestbook link.