Obituary of Martha A Harris

Martha A. Harris, a mother, grandmother, great grandmother and good friend to many, passed away peacefully at the Woburn Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on Wednesday morning, June 15, 2022.  She was 89 years old.  Martha was born and raised in Roanoke, Virginia.  She was one of two daughters born to George and Margaret Foutz.  She graduated from Roanoke High School. After high school she worked and lived in Arlington and Alexandria Virginia.  Burlington has been her home for the past 64 years. 

Martha was a strongly independent woman.  She always made the most of what she had and always willing to open her doors and share what she had to anyone in need of a helping hand.  What made Martha special was the warmth and kindness she shared with everyone that entered her life.    She was that neighbor that you stopped by for a cup a coffee that would last hours talking about everything but nothing.  She was an avid traveler visiting destinations like Greece, Ireland, Bermuda, Bahamas, Florida, and countless other destinations.  She would travel with family, neighbors, coworkers, and on organized trips where fellow travelers became longtime friends

Martha had worked many jobs over her career.  She was a longtime employee at Antonio’s Restaurant in Billerica.    She worked as the hostess at the Cafe Escadrille.   She ran the cafeteria at the Beth Israel in Lexington and worked in the Billing Department of Lahey Clinic.   She ended her career as a customer service manager at the Burlington Mall into her 80’s.  She knew how to get things done, was incredible with customers and guests, and her coworkers loved her spirit, humor, and work ethic. 

Martha was most proud of her family.  She would do anything for her girls.  She was a strong role model, encouraged them to be independent, and instilled the importance of family.  She loved when she became a grandmother and a great grandmother.  She was fun, entertaining, and cherished every moment she shared with them.  She will be lovingly remembered and never forgotten.

Martha was the loving mother of Victoria Leary of Thomasville, GA, Margaret Gibson of Merrimac, Cynthia Harris of Amesbury, and Robyn Thorstensen & her husband Neal of Burlington.  She was the sister of the late Barbara Jane Brubaker. She was the proud grandmother of Kyle Gibson, Bob Gibson & his wife Jaimie, Scott Kulda, Katie Kulda, Danny Leary & his wife Jessica, Stephanie Hagan, Blake Harris & Kate Weber, Jay Thorstensen & his wife Nicole, and Erin Thorstensen. She was the great grandmother of Ellie, Fiona, Madisyn, Shea, Quinlan, Kaleigh, and Francis.

Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington on Friday, June 24 from Noon to 2 p.m. and will conclude with a funeral service at the funeral home at 2 p.m. The family requests that guests wear face masks. Memorials in Martha’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org, 309 Waverly Oaks Rd, Waltham, MA 02452. For obituary, online guest book, & video tribute see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net