On Friday, March 10, 2023, Clara May (Campbell) Martin passed away surrounded by family. She was ninety-two. A lifelong Vermonter, expert seamstress, talented cake decorator, and most recently, a puzzle fanatic, she was born November 20, 1930, in Orange. Clara left school after 8th grade to help her large family. As a teenager, she was working as a crossing guard in Richmond when she met the love of her life, Max. Together they raised seven children and enjoyed nearly 50 years of marriage. Garage sale enthusiasts, they traveled the region in their van and camper, searching for treasured collectibles.
While Clara’s children were in school, her home in Bristol was a beloved daycare for the neighborhood. She always had a sewing project near her machine, including years producing Vegimals for Freemountain Toys, and a kitchen full of cakes, trays of frosting flowers, and cake scraps (much to the delight of visitors!), while producing hundreds of wedding and other event cakes.
Never one to forget a special date, she recognized all occasions with a card and phone call to her large family. Clara enjoyed community dinners with her friends, Barbara Hanson and Lucile Cousino. In the last year, she enjoyed fun times with her friends, Bea and Susan at Shard Villa.
Clara is survived by her children, Linda Osborn, Joanna Tatro, Maxine (Norman) Cobb, Ray (Denise) Martin, Diane (Phil) Livingston, Debra (Alan) Bessette, and Betty (Ronald) Brown; grandchildren, Karen Osborn, Seth (Amanda) Perry, Nathan (Melissa) Perry, Norm (April) Cobb, Rebecca (Cory) Coffey, Amos (Christine) Martin, Philip (Dawn) Livingston, Mark (Dana) Livingston, Melissa (Matthew) DeBlois, Christopher (Nariah) Bessette, Jody Brown, Louis Brown; great-grandchildren, Mary & Peter Lynch, Evan Perry, Jackson & Charlotte Coffey, Karissa & Brailey Livingston, Mason & Maverick Livingston, Xander & Xavier DeBlois, Hunter Brown, Natalie, Abby & Dom; sister, Edna Corliss; sister-in-law, Edna Campbell; and many nieces and nephews.
Clara was predeceased by her husband, Max Isham Ruell Martin; sons-in-law, Kenneth (Ozzie) Osborn, Francis Tatro; granddaughter, Laurie Lynch Goetz; and siblings, Hiriam, Elisha, Marion, Clarence, Albert, George, Arlene, Eugene, and Frank.
The family would like to thank the staff of Shard Villa and Porter Medical Center for their exceptional care.
Visiting hours are Monday, March 20, 5-8 p.m. and a celebration of her life will be held on Tuesday, March 21 at 11 a.m., both at Brown-McClay Funeral Home in Bristol. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Clara’s name to American Legion Post #19 or First Baptist Church of Bristol. To send online condolences to her family please visit www.brownmcclayfuneralhomes.com
Deb, Betty, Diane and rest of your family. I am so sorry for the loss of your wonderful mother. You were such wonderful daughter’s to her and enhanced her life so much in the later years. My heart goes out to all of you.
Dear Diane and all members of the family of Clara Martin, Tim and I are sad for your loss and remember your mom with great fondness and gentle memories. Praying that you all will have a sense of God’s nearness and work in each of your lives in and through this time of loss. Blessings to each of you, Karen and Tim Mindling
To all the Martin family, Please receive our condolences in the loss of your mother. We regret that we will be traveling during the calling hours and celebration of her life. Our prayers are with you.