Martha Ann Holden (Martin) passed away on June 26, 2026 at the age of 91 from newly diagnosed cancer. Born in Beverly, Massachusetts and growing up in Amherst, Massachusetts with her sisters, Agnes and Louise, Martha dreamed of the places that she wanted to visit someday. She spent a summer in Paris as a high school student and lived in the Philippines and Alaska with her first husband. She was fortunate to find an adventurous spirit in her second husband, Conrad Holden, with whom she had been married for 42 years. They traveled to Peru, Costa Rica, Greece and Africa (twice!) and explored New England on his motorcycle. She visited many other countries as well with her sister, Louise.

Martha’s childhood was difficult, characterized by little to no parental support. Despite that experience, she was a kind, generous, loving mother who created special home-made birthday cakes, always made our friends feel welcome and encouraged our interests. She felt strongly about a few things – piano lessons were mandatory, her scissors were to be returned immediately to her desk, and rain was no excuse to stay inside.

Martha worked for many years at Concord High School’s vocational program as a vocational counselor. She especially enjoyed working with students who had difficulty finding their niche, helping them to find their strengths and then working with the teachers to develop a program that ensured their success.

In her retirement, Martha continued to hike, bike, kayak and travel. Her warm presence and easy laugh are deeply missed by her family and friends who share many happy memories.

When asked what she wanted in her obituary, Martha replied “Tell them that I was just very lucky with my partners, family and friends and that I had a wonderful life.”

Martha’s husband, Conrad Holden, predeceased her by only 11 weeks. She leaves behind her daughters, Lisa Atwell of Redmond, WA and Laurie Sivonen of Saco, ME; her two stepsons, Russell Holden and Thomas Holden; two nieces and three nephews; three grandchildren, four step grandchildren and five step great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, Martha requested that donations be made to the Concord Coalition to End Homelessness (CCEH) PO Box 3933, Concord, NH 03302-3933 or online at www.concordhomeless.org or to Granite VNA Hospice (who so compassionately supported our family with both Martha and Conrad) at granitevna.org/donate/ 

The Cremation Society of NH is assisting the family with arrangements. To view an online memorial, leave a message of condolence, or for more information, visit www.csnh.com.