WATERVILLE – Anita Claire Martineau, 95, of New Sharon, died Wednesday morning, June 22, 2011 at Mt. St. Joseph’s in Waterville.
She was born Feb. 1, 1916, in Little Rock, Canada, a daughter of Frederic and Elisabeth Marchesseault. She received her education in Sherbrooke, Canada schools and on April 12, 1947, married Emile Martineau in St. Edwidge.
Her passion was helping others and in 1943, when she earned her nursing degree, she began a satisfying, purposeful 50-year nursing career. She did not learn to speak English until she was 42 years old; although there were often language barriers, her ability to serve and care for others as a nurse bridged any and all gaps. She often reminisced with her family about her life experiences from birthing babies to serving as a private duty nurse.
A favorite hobby of hers was horse racing.
She was a devoted wife and mother and in her later years was blessed with being cared for by her children. She was predeceased by her husband and a daughter Anne Nochella. She is survived by four children: Lynne Martineau, Vivianne Martineau, both of New Sharon; Rock Martineau of Escondido, California and Rina Martineau of Hilo, Hawaii; 9 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Following cremation, internment will take place in Escondido, California. Tributes and condolences may be shared with her family on her memorial wall at www.wilesrc.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Wiles Remembrance Center, 137 Farmington Falls Rd., (Rtes. 2 & 27), Farmington.
