Martha Elizabeth Smith

Martha Elizabeth Smith, age 101, passed peacefully surrounded by the love of her family, leaving behind a legacy built of hard work, laughter, devotion, and deep-rooted kindness. Born on November 30, 1924, in Hudson, New Hampshire, Martha was the daughter of Florence Hannah (Small) Smith and Albert Eaton Smith, and grew up on a small working farm where life revolved around family, faith, and doing what needed to be done.

Martha was the fifth of six siblings in a close-knit household where responsibility came early and love ran deep. With no electricity or running water in her childhood home, she learned resilience young, carrying candlelight up to bed each night and helping with farm chores, milk routes, and canning food for the family. Her father’s quiet strength and her mother’s warmth, music, and homemade ice cream shaped the woman she became, steady, caring, and full of heart.

She met the love of her life, Bob Smith, as a teenager during World War II, and they married when she was just 18 before Bob left for military service. Their marriage spanned an extraordinary 63 years, built on devotion, humor, and partnership. Together they raised four children, Curtis, Kathleen, Jonathan, and Paula.

Martha often said her greatest joy was being a mother. She loved being home with her children, caring for family members in need, and opening her home to others, including nieces, nephews, and relatives who needed support. Her life was a masterclass in quiet sacrifice and unconditional love.

Her family grew into a beautiful, bustling tree with 10 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, each one treasured. From summers at Lake Naticook in New Hampshire, beach days in Wells, Maine and her cottage, Patch of Blue, in York, Maine to cruises through Alaska and the Caribbean, Martha embraced life’s adventures well into her later years. She had a special love for travel, art, and being near the water, and found joy in painting scenes from her favorite memories, especially a treasured moment in Santorini, Greece .

Known for her tireless work ethic, Martha supported her family in countless ways, from farm work to factory work during the war years, and later helping alongside Bob as the family plumbing business grew into five generations of dedication and craftsmanship. Yet no matter how busy life became, she always made time for laughter, believing deeply that “laughter is the best medicine”.

Her faith guided her throughout her life. Raised in a deeply religious home, prayer and honesty were central values she carried forward. Martha lived simply, truthfully, and generously, never seeking attention, only doing what was right.

Those who knew her will remember her beautiful blue eyes, her infectious laughter, her quiet strength, her artistic talent, her unwavering devotion to family and her ability to keep going no matter what life handed her.

She will be remembered for her amazing chocolate cream pie and hot fudge sauce. Many family and friends attribute her longevity to hosting afternoon happy hours with “heads up” wine, “oovie doovie appetizers” and lively conversations.

On July 7, 2024 at the age of 99 and surrounded by many friends and family she was awarded the Boston Cane by the Hudson Historical Society for being the oldest citizen in Hudson. She often said she hoped people would remember her for her positive attitude and that is exactly how she lived, with grace, grit and joy.

Martha was preceded in death by her beloved husband Bob, her parents, and her siblings; Katherine Peabody, Albert E Smith, Jr., Harrison E. Smith, Richard P. Smith and John K. Smith.

She is survived by her son, Curtis; her daughter, Kathleen and her husband, Richard Laliberte; her son, Jonathan and his wife, Bonnie; and her daughter, Paula and her husband, George LaRocque.

“Rahrie”, as she was affectionately known by many, is survived by ten grandchildren: Jennifer Lavallee, Elizabeth Meyer, Jeffrey Smith, Katy LaRocque, Lara Wheat, Jane Hoppe, Jonathan Smith, Jr., Matthew Laliberte, Robert LaRocque, Rachel Laliberte, and eighteen great grandchildren: Tabitha Browne, Stephanie Meyer, Lauren Lavallee, Kathleen Meyer, Megan Lavallee, Reese Wheat, Zayah Smith, Hudson Wheat, Britten LaRocque, Lucien Laliberte, Samantha Smith, Thomas Hoppe, Sawyer Laliberte, Robert Hoppe, Jack Hoppe, Alton LaRocque, Evelyn LaRocque and Theo Smith.

She leaves behind generations of nieces and nephews who will forever carry her stories, her lessons, and her laughter forward.

The family wishes to thank the very caring people at Webster at Rye for their kindness and love over the past seven months.

A life rooted in love, a heart full of humor, a legacy that will echo for generations.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 6th at 11 am at First Church, Nashua with a reception to follow.

Donations in Martha’s memory may be made to the Hudson Historical Society, PO Box 475, Hudson, NH 03051 or to the Employee Assistance Fund at Webster at Rye, 795 Washington Rd., Rye, NH 03870.

Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com