Martina Day Stever – Bradford, VT
Martina Day Stever passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday January 25, 2022. Martina was born in Woodsville, NH on July 4, 1934, the daughter of Martin Henry and Lurena (Leavitt) Day. She grew up in Piermont attending school, being in 4H Club and working at the Robbins Inn. She graduated from Bradford Academy in 1952 and Plymouth Teachers College (cum laude) in 1956.
On July 8, 1956, she married Bruce H. Stever of Bradford, VT and they enjoyed 57 years of marriage before his passing in 2013. She taught school in Orfordville, NH from 1956-1958. In 1980 she returned to full time teaching, retiring in 1996. She was active in Mothers Club and PTA. She was a member and Chairperson of the Oxbow High School Board from 1972-1978.
Martina was a member of the Bradford Congregational Church, where she served as Service Club President, Sunday School Teacher, Moderator, Deaconess, Women's Fellowship President, and Secretary. She was also a member of the Choir, Bible Study Group and Prayer Chain Coordinator.
She was an active member of the BA Alumni Association, serving on the Executive Board, as well as Clerk and Treasurer of the BA Alumni Scholarship Loan Fund Committee. Community activities include Trustee of the Bradford Cemetery Association, Town Trustee of Public Funds, Board of Directors for the Bradford Historical Society, and Chair of Sawyer Chapel Restoration committee. In 2015 she was Treasurer and Co-Chair of Bradford's 250th Celebration and Strawberry Festival.
She was also a member of the Piermont Christmas Club, Orange County Retired Teachers and NRTA. She enjoyed singing with the Tabor Valley Singers and Horse Meadow Senior Chorus. She and Bruce were members of the Vermont 251 Club, traveling to 213 Towns. They enjoyed bus tours to many parts of the country and trips to the Bahamas and Hawaii.
Martina was predeceased by her sister Nancy Day Taplin, husband Bruce and daughter Cynthia. Survivors include sons Clark, Michael, and David. Six grandchildren Melissa, Tim, Athena, Natalia, Brianna, and Keith. Four great-grandchildren Aubrey, Conner, Elijah, and Lua. There are also many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Martina cared deeply for her family, neighbors, and the community. She was always the first to volunteer or offer help when it was needed. She was known by her kids and her kids’ friends as the mom who always had fresh chocolate chip cookies, which was her way of giving hugs to all on a daily basis.
Contributions may be made to the Sawyer Chapel Fund, P.O. Box 803 Bradford, VT 05033
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