Stephanie Lyn Martin

STEPHANIE LYN MARTIN
1974 – 2009
WATERBURY, VT – Stephanie Lyn Martin age 34, passed away unexpectedly early Thursday morning after a tragic accident.  For those fortunate enough to meet her, and know her, she will be remembered as an innocent, honest, loving, and trustworthy person, whose flame will continue to burn bright in memory, to be shared with others.  Stephanie was born to Brett and Orlaine (Dupont) Martin, in Holyoke, MA on October 3, 1974.  She attended grade school at Stefanik School in Chicopee, MA.  She later attended Bellamy Middle School for two years before moving onto Chicopee High School, where she graduated in 1992.  Stephanie was active with her high school’s color guard, and popular with her teachers.  During much of her teen years she was an active volunteer with Special Olympics.  After high school, she briefly attended Holyoke Community College before concentrating on work.  Throughout her life, books and reading remained her passion.  Her thirst for a good story was never quenched.  Stephanie had an amazing sense of humor, and it was said that her mind was the only thing that moved faster than her mouth.  Shy, quiet, and unassuming, her humorous side was kept hidden until someone needed an answer to a trivia question, or help with a crossword puzzle.  She was constantly challenging thoughts, opinions and answers, with the wit of a person years her senior.  When not engrossed in her books, she was listening to her music collection, doing home crafts, baking, laughing and making plans to go shopping.  Her dog, Rooney, was her best friend.  It was often said that the dog gave the orders and Steph would follow.  Stephanie was unmarried and had no children, so who better to dote on than her best friend?  After spending her first 32 years in Chicopee, she moved to Waterbury, VT to reunite with her brother, and work at the Vermont State Hospital.  At the hospital, she enjoyed the company of many of the patients, and got to know and respect both the patients and staff.  And she continued to read.  A few months after her arrival in Waterbury, her father Brett, moved to Vermont as well.  Together they would go out for breakfast, take long drives through the Green Mountains, and get to know each other as friends.  Stephanie’s most treasured memories in Vermont included spending time with her brother, Kris, and his family of Kathy and Lindsey Lowell, and visits from her mother.  Stephanie was able to fish in Lake Champlain, and walk the paths of Hope Cemetery in Barre, Vermont where she could reflect on and appreciate the art within.  Stephanie, never judged, never held a grudge, and never, ever asked for help.  She remained the most honest person any of her friends could remember.  She looked forward to traveling, and enjoyed a recent family trip to Michigan partaking in a Renaissance Fair, as well as a family cruise last Christmas where she was finally able to walk on the sandy beaches of the Western Caribbean.  While these would not be considered big steps for many, for Stephanie it revealed a yen for travel.  Stephanie was also a die-hard Red Sox fan, and was especially fond of Jason Varitek and Kevin Youkilis – “they played hard and got dirty”.  She enjoyed watching the Vermont Mountaineers, as well as the Vermont Frost Heaves.  She loved pasta with marinara, Coca-Cola, and hazelnut anything.  She is gone too soon, and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.  Stephanie is survived by her parents and her brother Kris, her uncles Don Martin and family, Joe Martin, Fred Martin and family and aunts Lucille Marr and family, Michelle Cronkright and family, on her father’s side.  She was predeceased by her aunt Elizabeth Martin.  On her mother’s side she leaves her uncles George Dupont and family, Thomas Dupont, and Jeffrey Dupont and family and her aunt Rosalyn Gomes and family.  She was predeceased by her uncles Richard (Dick) Dupont and Raymond Dupont.  Calling hours will be at the Brunelle Funeral Home, 811 Chicopee Street in Chicopee, Tuesday, January 13 from 4PM – 8PM.  A 10Am memorial service will follow Wednesday morning, with a get together for family and friends afterwards.  In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in Stephanie’s name to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104.