Suzanne Martel

Suzanne was born on September 25, 1938, in Coaticook, Quebec, Canada, to the late Louis and Adrienne Devost. In 1960, she married the love of her life, Antoine (Tony) Martel, and together they built a beautiful life in Connecticut and raised their five children. Suzanne and Tony made their home in Hartford until 1988, when they relocated to East Hartford.

A devoted woman of deep faith, Suzanne was a longtime member of St. Christopher Parish, now North American Martyrs Parish, where she faithfully served as a Eucharistic Minister. Suzanne was also a member of the Secular Franciscan Order. Her Catholic faith was the foundation of her life and was reflected in her kindness, compassion, and unwavering devotion to her family.

Suzanne was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She loved deeply and was deeply loved in return. Her warmth, generosity, gentle spirit, and steadfast faith touched everyone who knew her. Her greatest joy was her family, and the legacy of love she leaves behind will continue through the generations.

She is survived by her children: Claudette Martel, Marguerite Martel Fredette, Richard M. Martel, Lucie Martel Burke and her husband Martin and Helene Martel Scherer and her husband Robert. Her grandchildren Matthew A. Fredette and his wife, Jenna, Richard Scherer and his wife Katie, Andrew Fredette and his fiancée Chelsea Loso, Rachel Fredette Ingves and her husband Jared, Kara Scherer, Caitlin Burke and her fiancé Matthew Vieweg and Brendan Burke. Her great grandchildren Solis, Saxton, Seneca and Ophelia Fredette, Victoria, Natalie and Penny Scherer.

Suzanne is also survived by her brothers, Rosaire Devost, Yvon Devost, Adrian Devost and his wife, Solange.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Antoine (Tony) Martel; her parents, Louis and Adrienne Devost; her brothers, Gerard Devost, Marcel Devost, and Andre Devost; her sister, Elise Raquer and her grandson Martin Burke IV.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Suzanne's life during calling hours on Thursday July 23, 2026 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Newkirk & Whitney Funeral Home, Burnside Avenue, East Hartford. We will be holding a brief visitation from 8:30-9:30 on Friday, July 24, 2026 at Newkirk & Whitney Funeral Home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated on Friday, July 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at North American Martyrs Parish (formerly St. Christopher Parish), Brewer Street, East Hartford. Burial will follow at Silver Lane Cemetery on Silver Lane, East Hartford.

Suzanne's family will forever cherish her unwavering love, quiet strength, generous heart, and enduring faith. Though she will be greatly missed, we find comfort in knowing she has been reunited with her beloved Tony in eternal peace.

The family invites anyone who would like to make a gift to charity in Suzanne's behalf to St Jude’s Children's Hospital using the link below.

https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_dcm=137187317974&sc_cid=kwp&sc_cat=b&&&&&gclsrc=aw.ds&ds_rl=1290690&ds_rl=1291300&ds_rl=1285465&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17681679263&gbraid=0AAAAADuyZN4IBqz5BEimYY5g-QMhcK8wH&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7Iz4jsHalQMVWnFHAR2vRTfEEAAYASAAEgKlTPD_BwE