Irene R. Martin

Born May 5, 1936, Irene R. Martin lived a diverse and truly fascinating Life. She was a strong and fiercely independent woman who paved the way for countless others.

After graduating from the Danbury School of Nursing as an RN in 1957, Irene drove out to California with a carload of women who became her lifelong friends. She then returned to Connecticut where she married Richard Martin and started their family. Just nine years into their 43 year marriage, they faced his paralyzing stroke with endless love and compassion.

Several years later, they relocated from Bethel, Connecticut to Sandgate, Vermont, where a league of friends and family built their forever home. Irene commuted to and from Connecticut for many years until ultimately retiring as Acting Director of the Fairfield Hills Mental Institution in 1991.

Whether caring for people, painting barns, chainsawing, canning or tending to animals, Irene was always an amazing Force of Nature. After Richard's passing in 2002, she took great pride in maintaining their family, home and property. Irene left this world on March 6, 2026, exactly 24 years to the day after her beloved husband, Richard.

Daughter of Walter and Virginia Richard, Irene is predeceased by her husband Richard Martin, and is survived by her brothers Walter (and Catherine) Richard and Raymond (and Mary) Richard, daughters Katherine Martin and Mary (and David) Holland, granddaughters Virginia (and Jason) Weil and Mareisa Weil (and Jebediah Cestaro), as well as her two great grandsons, a wonderful niece, many loving nephews, plus cousins and friends of all ages.

Her legacy is one of strength, perseverance and compassion for others. She enjoyed many great friendships throughout her lifetime, and found one of her closest well into her eighties. Irene's adventures took her around the globe, traveling abroad with family and friends and folks she met along the way. She had many great memories of drinking wine in Sicily, sitting with the Dalai Lama in Tibet, enjoying the beach in Jamaica with her family along with a lifetime of celebrations on her beautiful deck in Vermont.

In accordance with Irene's wishes, there will be no formal services. May you remember her well, and especially in May, when she is awarded full credit for her ninety years of Life. We will Love and miss you always. Donations can be made to the Arlington charity of your choice.