Martha Bingham Burns Keefe

Martha Keefe, 83, longtime resident of Oak Street, Springvale, died peacefully surrounded by her daughters, September 21, 2004 at her home. She was born January 15, 1921 in Portland, the only child of William and Lora (Quint) Burns. When Martha was four, the family moved to Alfred to be near relatives. By school age, Martha was living in Sanford before moving to the Springvale home her family has occupied since 1930. She was an honor roll student in Sanford High School's class of '39 and a '43 Bates College graduate with a double major in history and government.Martha spent summers working at Forbes Motel at Wells Beach and as playground director locally. She then taught history and physical education at Sanford High School for one year before enlisting in the Navy, where she was commissioned as ensign upon graduation from O.C.S. at Smith College. During the year after W.W. II ended, Martha was stationed in the Potomac River Naval Command as recreation and welfare officer. Upon discharge, Martha went to teach in Brunswick Co., VA, where she met and married John Lyle Keefe, an army officer back from 4 years in the Caribbean and a graduate of V.P.I. They came to live in Maine where Martha went to work in sales for the Goodall Sanford Mill until the factory closed around 1954. Thereafter, she stayed home for 13 years to raise her family.Mrs. Keefe was president of the local Community Health Association while her children were young, followed by 4 years of teaching at St. Ignatius and several years of substitute teaching before she became assistant librarian at Sanford High School where she stayed until retiring in 1995. Martha's adventurous spirit and love of travel is evidenced by the fact that she had seen all but four states and made four trips to Europe. The family camp on Square Pond has provided the summer haven since 1952. Martha's summer wasn't complete without as much company as possible from around the country. She kept very busy playing bridge and knitting, making afghans and sweaters for family and friends. Martha's intelligence and curiosity kept her interested in all that life had to offer, which led her to belong to College Club, Senior College and to participate in community learning opportunities. She was a staunch supporter of the Republican Party, working on numerous political campaigns. She and her husband John were active members of the Unitarian Church where she participated in the Woman's Alliance, the over 60's group and was the longest continuing member of the parish.She is lovingly survived by her son, J. Lyle Keefe of Ocala, FL and three daughters: Kathy and her husband, Blaine Porter and Paula and her husband, Keith Edmonds both of Springvale and Janice Keefe of East Lebanon. Also, four grandchildren, Rick Porter of Westford, MA; Lora MacDonald of Bend, OR; Chris and Ryan Edmonds both of Springvale and two great-grandchildren, Rachel and Christopher Porter of Westford, MA.Calling hours will be held on Thursday, Sept 23rd. from 6 - 8 p.m. At the Heald Funeral Home, 580 Main Street, Springvale and on Friday, From 2-4 and 6-8 pm.Funeral Services will be Saturday, September 25, 2004 at 10 a.m. at the Sanford Unitarian-Universalist Church on Lebanon Street with Rev. Susan Kingman officiating. Burial will be private at Oakdale Cemetery.Memorial donations may be made to the Sanford High School Library, 52 SHS Blvd., Sanford, ME 04073 or to the Visiting Nurse Service of So. Maine, 15 Industrial Park Road, Saco, ME 04072..