Shirley Louise Martell

(Scarborough) Shirley Louise (Rolston) Martell passed away peacefully on July 22, 2023 after a brief stay at the Gosnell House. She was born May 8, 1926 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire the daughter of Russell A. Rolston and Ruth C. (Watson) Rolston. Shirley attended Greenland and Portsmouth, New Hampshire schools. After graduating from Portsmouth High School she attended Keene State Teachers College graduating in 1947. While in college she made lifelong friends. Shirley taught in Bradford, New Hampshire prior to her marriage to Curtis R. (Dick) Martell in June 1948. After her marriage she and her husband moved to Portland where they raised their family.

After the death of her husband Shirley worked part time for Portland Adult Education retiring when she was in her 80’s.

Shirley was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Shirley was selfless always doing something to help others. She was an active member of Chestnut Street Methodist Church and Hope Gateway, a United Methodist community. Shirley spent many years volunteering at the Wayside Soup Kitchen as well as the Eunice Frye Home. She also made herself available to help friends and neighbors.

Shirley loved to travel. She traveled to France, Switzerland, Austria, Germany and Panama as well as many United States destinations. She enjoyed going to Empire Grove in the summer with her friend, Kathy. She loved going for car rides, knitting and doing jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles and word search. She also made two queen size quilts by hand.

Shirley was predeceased by her husband, Curtis, and two sons Steven R. Martell and Brian R. Martell and her brother, Parker A. Rolston. She is survived by her three daughters, Linda L. Swendsen and her husband Russell of Standish, Susan G. Martell of Portland, and Karen R. Smith of Portland, and a daughter in law Edie Martell of Steep Falls, eight grandchildren and several great and great-great grandchildren and a sister in law Elizabeth (Betty) Rolston of Greenland, New Hampshire and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank her many friends for the cards and encouragement that they sent to Shirley. They really brightened her day. They would also like to thank Pine Point Genesis and the Gosnell House for the excellent care and comfort they provided for Shirley.

Shirley will be greatly missed but always remembered.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Gosnell House in Scarborough, Maine or Hope Gateway, 509 Forest Ave, Portland, Maine in her memory.

Burial will be private at Brooklawn Memorial Park Cemetery Portland, Maine. There will be no visiting hours or funeral service.