Gilford-----Bessie S. Martin, 69, of 41 Potter Hill Road and formerly of 9 Sargent Place, died at her home on Sunday, August 19, 2007.  Mrs. Martin was the widow of Henry A. Martin, Jr. who died September 18, 1994.

Mrs. Martin was born May 14, 1938 in Groveton, N. H., the daughter of Norman E. and Idella (Cassavaugh) Hickey.  She graduated from Groveton High School in 1956 and attended the New Hampshire Vocational Technical College in Manchester.

She lived in Manchester, N. H. for many years before moving to Gilford in 1996.  Mrs. Martin was formerly employed at Raytheon in Manchester and also at General Electric in Hooksett.  She was a life member of the Laconia Rod and Gun Club, the American Legion Auxiliary and the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Laconia Post No. 1670.

Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Sandra and Paul Gelinas and a granddaughter, Olivia Gelinas, all of Manchester, N. H.; three stepsons, Alfred Martin of Massachusetts, Mark Martin of Manchester, N. H. and Brian Martin of Florida and a stepdaughter, Dian Kalisz, of Manchester, N.H.;  several step grandchildren and step great grandchildren; a brother, Bert Hickey, of Gilford, N.H.; five sisters, Evelyn Barker, Barbara Fulton, and Nancy Jones, all of Gilford and June Smith of Tamworth and Beverly Hughes of Ashland; a Godson, David Duprey, and many nephews and nieces.

According to Mrs. Martin’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or funeral service.

A private graveside service will be held at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Manchester, N. H. at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to one’s own favorite charity or to Community Health & Hospice, Inc., 780 North Main Street, Laconia, N. H. 03246.

Wilkinson-Beane Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH is in charge of the arrangements.