Marie Carmelite Martin

Marie Carmelite Martin of La Plata, Maryland, passed away peacefully at her home on March 20, 2024. She was 96 years old.

Marie was preceded in death by her husbands, Ferdinand Cooksey (deceased 1952) and her husband of nearly 40 years, Joseph Brent “Snorter” Martin, Sr., who passed away in October 1996.

Marie was also preceded in death by her twin sister, Marian Frere, as well as her brothers; John, William, Richard, Phillip, James and Robert Frere. She is survived by her brothers Barry Frere and Edward Frere.

Marie is also survived by her 7 children; Brenda Mudd (Dickie), Randy Martin (Cheryl), Jean Moreland, Terry Earnheart (Dane), Joseph B. “Marty” Martin, Jr. (Caroline), David Martin (Kirsten), and Beth Sine (Evan), as well as 22 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and many devoted nieces and nephews.

Marie was born in Tompkinsville, Maryland, on November 10, 1927, to John Edward and Mary Phyllis (Mudd) Frere. She had a happy childhood growing up on her family’s farm along with her twin sister and many brothers. She graduated as Salutatorian from Glasva High School and then moved to Washington, DC with her sister to attend secretarial school run by the Sisters of Notre Dame.  Marie and Marian lived on Capitol Hill where they worked for Father Hayes at St. Peter's Church in Washington. Marie then worked for the Supreme Court until returning to Southern Maryland to marry Ferdinand. After his death, she moved back to Tompkinsville and began work at H. H. Hawkins Insurance in La Plata, which was right next door to Martin’s Esso Service Station. One day, Snorter walked over to let Marie know that she needed new tires on her car. They were married a short time later and began their large family, which grew to include 7 children.

Marie supported Snorter as he ran their family business. She spent many wonderful years raising their children and creating a home that welcomed family and friends alike. Marie enjoyed taking care of things; pets, plants, backyard birds and her vegetable and flower gardens at their home on Darley Drive. She was a wonderful cook and will be remembered by her family for her pickles, zucchini bread and grape jelly. Marie was also a faithful recess duty volunteer at Archbishop Neale School, where her children attended.

In later years, Marie traveled, enjoyed time with her family and dear friends, played Pitch every Saturday night and attended her grandchildren's school and sporting events. Her grandchildren have fond memories of sleepovers at her house, swimming in her pool and cooking breakfast with her.

Marie’s strong Catholic faith was central to her life. She said her rosary every morning with her cup of tea, attended daily mass as often as she could, as well as most First Fridays.  Marie was a lifetime member of the Catholic Daughters of America, Court Neale and she was a parishioner of Sacred Heart Church in La Plata.

Marie lived a long life that mattered to many, and she will be greatly missed.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday March 26, 2024 at the Sacred Heart Church (201 St. Mary's Ave. LaPlata, MD 20646) from 8:30 am until her Mass time at 10 am. Interment to follow in the Church Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to either of the following:

Archbishop Neale School

*Primary Playground Fund

104 Port Tobacco Rd.

La Plata, MD 20646

Sacred Heart Catholic Church

*Cemetery Improvements Fund

205 St. Mary’s Avenue

La Plata, MD 20646

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