Maria M Gilmartin's Obituary
Maria Modeen Gilmartin
BEDFORD, New Hampshire – Maria left us on July 9, 2025.
She was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., the daughter of David and Ann (Carlo) Modeen on August 25, 1947. She lived her early years in New York. In 1978 she and her family moved to Illinois. In 1988 they moved to New Hampshire.
Maria was a graduate of Central Islip High School in Central Islip New York and Beth Israel School of Nursing in New York City.
In 1967 Maria met her husband, Paul Gilmartin. They were married in 1971 at St. John of God Church in Central Islip, New York. Maria had one daughter, Leigh.
Maria loved professional nursing. Her first position was at University Medical Center in New York City where she worked in the neonatal intensive care department. From there she shifted to Public Health where she worked for the Visiting Nurse Service of New York City. After taking time off to raise her daughter, Maria returned to Public Health with professional registered nursing positions in the Cook County Illinois Department of Public Health and over 15 years with city of Nashua New Hampshire Public Health & Community Services.
Maria loved needle work. While raising her daughter she made many beautiful creations of needlepoint, which has provided a wonderful legacy for her daughter and grandchildren. Maria thoroughly enjoyed completing crossword puzzles and was an avid reader. Her favorite authors were John Grisham and James Patterson.
Maria was a truly loving and compassionate woman who touched the lives of all who knew her. Her quick wit and extraordinary intelligence made every conversation with her a pleasure. Her hugs were a warm blanket that could melt away all your worries. Maria will be missed by all who were lucky enough to have had her in their lives.
Maria was predeceased by her brother Thomas Modeen.
She is survived by her loving husband Paul Gilmartin, daughter Leigh (Gilmartin) Matson son-in -law Matthew Matson and two beautiful granddaughters, Meredith and Caroline Matson.
Services: A small Celebration of Life will be held sometime in the future.
Heritage Funeral and Cremation Service is assisting with arrangements.
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