Friday, June 16, 2017 10:17 am

CARMEL, Calif. - Martha St. Laurent (Oldenbrook), 74, died surrounded by her children on Friday, May 26, 2017. Born in Winchester, Mass., Marty went to Reading High School. She was a cheerleader and exemplary student. She later attended UNH and studied Spanish.

Marty was a devoted mother. While living in Rochester, N.H., she spent hours taking kids to sports, sheep shows, camping, helping with homework while managing the sheep flock and the chicken coop. Her home-cooked meals, Thanksgiving dinner and stuffing are legendary. At home Marty created an atmosphere of warmth and joy. She worked at the Hope School, making a difference in students' lives.

In 1999 Marty reconnected with her high-school sweetheart, Captain Ronald Blake USCG (Ret). They traveled between homes in Maine and Florida, entertaining guests and hosting lobster feasts, accompanied by their cat, Emory.

Marty was an avid reader and master of language. She adored her grandchildren. Marty was a great listener and conversationalist who inspired others to share their life stories, remembering every detail. Marty enjoyed living in Carmel, sitting on her deck overlooking the Pacific; a steady stream of family visiting.

Marty was predeceased by her parents, Gerrit and Martha Oldenbrook; and sisters, Joanne and Carol.

Surviving family members: Paul St. Laurent of RutherGlen, Va., Michele Seifert and Andre St. Laurent of Carmel, Calif., Sandra Vergara and Becky Melchior of Bethesda, Md.; grandchildren, Kara, Grant, Celia, Sierra, Ivan, Zack, Teddy; and sister, Nancy.
- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/fosters/obituary.aspx?n=martha-st-laurent&pid=185793468#sthash.FqodREoh.dpuf