Jane M. (Kittredge) Martin

Jane Margaret (Kittredge) Martin, 87, of Spec Pond in Lancaster, died Wednesday, December 26, 2024, at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester after a short illness, with her children by her side.

She was born on August 21, 1937, in Clinton, MA, eldest daughter of the late William F. and Elizabeth (Sullivan) Kittredge. Jane grew up on Burditt Hill and was a proud member of Clinton High School’s Class of 1955 (Go Gaels!) She was Head Baton Twirler, voted “Most Talented” in her class, and her yearbook caption predicted “Jane will be a success in her chosen career as a ‘lady in white’”.

“Kitty”, as she was known to her friends and classmates, graduated from the Leominster Hospital School of Nursing in 1958. While in school, she met the love of her life, Donald W. Martin of Leominster. They were married on April 11, 1959 and celebrated almost 52 years of marriage before his death on April 4, 2011.

Jane loved being a nurse; her skill and devotion to her patients will long be remembered by those she cared for and their families as well as the healthcare professionals who worked alongside her. After retiring from Leominster Hospital in 1996, she began caring for the Sisters at Presentation Convent in Leominster, working there for almost 19 years. Becoming a treasured part of the lives of her “sixteen grandmothers” was truly one of the joys of her life.

Janes’s other passion in life was her family. Her children know that as a mother, they had the best. Growing up with her meant a life of love and adventures for you, your cousins, and your friends. Whether it was packing up the station wagon for trips to Hampton Beach, spending time with her kids and any and all of their friends at the “Nurses Camp” on Spec Pond, sledding in the winter and games in the summer in the big backyard on Pleasant Street (including croquet with a set courtesy of “S&H Green Stamps”), or celebrating every birthday and holiday with a party, Diane, Michael and Jimmy had a childhood filled with the love and support of a close-knit family. And their friends will always remember “Mom M” with love as she became their second mom. Jane was her children’s ultimate cheerleader, never missing a hockey game, music recital, school event or opportunity to brag about athletic or academic achievements. A naturally gifted swimmer, she taught her children to swim and love the water as much as she did. One of the greatest gifts her husband Don gave her was building her dream home on Spec Pond, the place she loved more than any other. When her children married and started families of their own, Jane added the title of “Greatest Nana Ever” to her resume. Her grandchildren brought such joy to her life, and she treasured every moment spent with them. Whether it was days at the family home on Pleasant Street or summer fun at Spec Pond, special memories were created that will last a lifetime. And when the great-grandchildren arrived, the spoiling began anew.

Jane never met a teddy bear she didn’t like. She loved decorating her home for every holiday, especially Christmas, which necessitated many trips to the Paper Store, her “happy place”. She loved playing games and cards with the family, especially “Guesstures”, “Michigan Rummy”, and “Scat”. All of us will forever hear her exclaim “Oh, I never last on my honor”! Jane single-handedly kept the Post Office in business, always remembering birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays with a card and sending numerous “thank you” and “thinking of you” notes. She was so proud of her Irish heritage and her hometown of Clinton and enjoyed many St. Patrick’s Days at the Old Timer with her mom, sister Elle, daughter Diane, and son-in-law Carl.

Jane will be remembered as a woman of great faith, volunteering as lector, Eucharistic minister and longtime President of the Women’s Guild of her beloved Holy Family of Nazareth Parish in Leominster. Her faith and positive attitude helped her to accept with courage and grace the many health challenges of the last nine years. It is difficult for her family to imagine a world without her in it; Jane was an extraordinary mother, wife, Nana, daughter, sister, aunt, godmother, niece and friend who was loved by so many.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter Diane Sanabria and husband Carl, her son Michael and wife Robin, her son James and wife Lisa; beloved grandchildren Samantha (Martin) Hughes and husband Jeff, Ryan Martin and wife Michelle, Colin Sanabria, Craig Martin, and Arielle (Martin) Bruegger and husband Daniel; precious great-grandchildren Javon, Shanti and Daisha Hughes, Barret, Carter and Crew Bruegger, and Porter Martin. Jane also leaves a treasured sister, Alice Leach and husband Joe of Germantown, MD, along with Alice’s children and grandchildren with whom she shared a special bond: goddaughter Jennifer Vail and husband Kevin, godson Christopher Leach and wife Michelle, niece Amy Leach, niece Debbie Patton and husband Steve, and great-nieces and nephews Macy, Sophie and Spencer Vail, Declan Leach, and Austin Patton. Jane also leaves much-loved sister-in-law Joan Truitt of Townsend as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews, especially niece Darlene Bagley of Leominster. She will be missed by many devoted friends and members of her parish community. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by beloved husband Donald in 2011 and sister Eleanor in 2013.

Her family would like to thank the many doctors, nurses and therapists who cared for Jane over the last nine years, especially cardiologist Dr. Adam Cerel and his staff. Her children are especially grateful to home health aides Mona Mesadieux and Kathy Perry, who cared for her with such love and compassion.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, January 3 from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. in The Richardson Funeral Home. A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, January 4 at 10:00 A.M. in Holy Family Church, Leominster with a burial to follow in Evergreen Cemetery. Please go to directly to church on Saturday. 

Donations in Jane’s memory may be made to the Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105 or Holy Family of Nazareth, 750 Union Street, Leominster MA 01453.

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