Bernice Martel

Bernice Martel, 94, of Lyman, passed away peacefully at home on February 1st, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on January 26, 1932, in Limington, Bernice was the eldest of seven children born to Mona (McKinney) and Roger Braley. She grew up in Limington and attended local schools, where her sharp mind was evident early on; she graduated at just 16 years old as the valedictorian of the Limington High School Class of 1948.

Following graduation, Bernice moved to Sanford and began a career as a telephone operator. Over the years, she was a familiar face in the community through her work with Avon, Sears & Roebuck, Computer Vision, and later in the billing department at Goodall Hospital from which she eventually retired.

In August of 1950, Bernice married Gerard Martel. Together they raised five children and shared 30 years of marriage until his early passing in 1981. As the wife of Gerard, a well-known Sanford Fire Chief, Bernice was deeply rooted in the Sanford community, forming lifelong friendships that she cherished dearly.

A woman of many talents, Bernice was a gifted seamstress and enjoyed crocheting. Her faith was central to her life; as a longtime member of St. Ignatius Church, she found great joy singing in the choir. Bernice remained spirited and active well into her later years, maintaining regular walks and exercises. She was perhaps best known as the hostess of the annual Labor Day family picnic, a tradition of laughter and togetherness that remains a cornerstone of the family today. Beyond these celebrations, her home was a hub for her grandchildren during many of their school vacations. She delighted in treating them to her exceptional cooking and shared her love through every meal, while providing fun activities that created lifelong bonds between the cousins.

In her retirement, Bernice enjoyed several winters in Florida with her companion, Larry Dougherty, traveling and enjoying the warmth until his passing. She eventually returned to her beloved Maine to be closer to her roots. In recent years, Bernice lived with her son Tim and his wife, Teresa, in Lyman. She never lost her social spark, always eager for a car ride, a lunch date, or any opportunity to be out among people. She will be remembered most as a happy, social, and outgoing woman who truly loved life.

Bernice was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Gerard Martel; her son, Dennis Martel; and her brothers, Harold “Keith” Braley and wife Beverly, Roger “Bill” Braley, brother-in-law Norton (Joe) Pease.

Bernice is survived by her siblings; David Braley and wife Mary, Janice Pease, Brian Braley and wife Judy, Kevin Braley and wife Jane, sister in laws Linda Braley and Roberta Braley. Her children; Steven Martel and his wife Margo of Sanford, Richard Martel and his wife Karen of Ashburn, VA, Julie Paiva and her husband James of Arundel, and Timothy Martel and his wife Teresa of Lyman; her grandchildren, Damian Martel, Mandi Demers, Melissa Schroeder, Rick Martel, Jessica Paiva, Jarrod Paiva, and Chris Martel; her step-grandchildren, Christin Ireland, Joshua Spaulding, Nicholas Spaulding, and Kendra Ross; nine great-grandchildren; eight step-great-grandchildren; and many extended family members.

A memorial service will be held at Living Waters Church in Buxton at a later date, with interment to follow in the spring at St. Ignatius Cemetery in Sanford.