Susan L. Martin, 73 of Ipswich, died Thursday, August 6, 2009 at Beverly Hospital after an extended illness.

She was born in Melrose, MA and was the daughter of the late Carroll and Louise (West) Martin. She graduated from Lesley College and Boston University, and taught in the elementary schools of Ipswich and Topsfield.  She was a Topsfield Fair volunteer, a volunteer for senior transportation, and an active member of Heard Chapter No. 94, Order of the Eastern Star where she served as secretary and treasurer.  She was a member of the First Congregational Church of Hamilton, and a lifetime member of the Massachusetts Teachers Association and the National Education Association.

She is survived by her brother, Carroll M. Martin, Jr. and his wife, Shirley; their children:  Sandra Entringer and husband Peter; Bonnie Skadahl and husband John; Terry Larson and husband Bruce; Robert and Mary Martin; and Gail and Robert Heidt; as well as eight grand nieces and nephews and four great grand nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on August 19 at 1 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, 624 Bay Rd., Hamilton. Family and friends are respectfully welcomed. Visiting hours are August 18 from 5 to 8 p.m. with an Eastern Star Service at 7 p.m. at the Whittier-Porter Funeral Home, 6 High Street, Ipswich. Burial will be in Maine. 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 20 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701, or the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454
Alexandria, VA  22312.