Martha R. Paquin

NORTH BENNINGTON- Martha R. Paquin, a longtime resident of the village of North Bennington, VT, passed away swiftly while surrounded by family on January 6th, 2024. Marty, as she was fondly called by friends, was born in New Ashford, MA, on March 26th, 1947. She was the daughter of the late William Raney and Ethel (Packard) Raney. She received her early education in New Ashford and was a 1965 graduate of Mount Greylock High School. Marty met her husband of 52 years, Thomas T. Paquin, while working together in Bennington, VT and the two soon married at Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church in North Bennington in 1971. All four of their children would go on to be married in that same church. Marty's family meant everything to her. Ever a selfless caregiver, she was a devoted daughter, mother, and grandmother. Marty cared for her mother, Ethel, who lived with her family until her death at 111 years old. She loved to cook, hosting family dinners every single Sunday evening for over 50 years. She enjoyed fostering her many friendships. If you knew Marty, she touched your life in a very special, specific and loving way. Marty, together with her husband, built a family business, owning and operating T&M (short for Tom and Marty) Enterprises in Shaftsbury, VT. Her work ethic was unparalleled, starting in her childhood on the Raney family farm. She always fancied herself a “sturdy farm kid,” and this mentality was present not only in her work ethic but also acted as a driving force for her positive, can-do attitude. There was simply nothing she couldn’t accomplish. Marty and Thomas built a strong foundation for their family and always led by example. Marty was also an avid lover of nature and animals and cared for all living beings as she cared for her own family. She was passionate about gardening and had a green thumb for nursing plants back to life and maintaining beautiful flower beds. She loved spending time with her beloved doggy, Davika and has too many past pets to name. Her current "grand puppies" include Daisy, Gus, Rigby, Ziva, Ace, Bella, Willa, and Benson. Survivors include her husband, Thomas T. Paquin, of North Bennington. Her children, Thomas R. Paquin and his wife, Sarah, of Shaftsbury, VT; Melissa Martocchio and her husband, Mike, of Shaftsbury, VT; Melinda Paquin and her husband, Lee, of North Bennington, VT, and William Paquin and his wife, Nora, of Shaftsbury, VT. Survivors also include her brother, Arnold Raney, of Lanesboro, MA. Lovingly known as “Mem,” she is also survived by her ten grandchildren, Taylor, Claire, Jackson, Morgan, Colby, Reno, Westley, Ezra, Ella, and Evelyn. She was predeceased by two brothers, William Raney, Jr. and Ralph Raney, as well as two sisters, Elsie Serrano and Catherine Newton. Services for Martha will be held on Friday, January 12th, 2024, at the Mahar Funeral Home in Bennington. Calling hours will be 11 am to 12 pm, followed by a memorial service at noon. A reception will follow to be announced at the service. If friends would like to share photos of Marty, please bring them to Mahar Funeral Home on Friday or email them in advance to melinda.paquin@gmail.com. If desired, memorial contributions in memory of Martha may be made to either St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 2 Pine West Plaza #202, Albany, NY 12205 or the Second Chance Animal Shelter, 1779 VT RTE 7A, Arlington, VT 05250. Mem was the best of what is right and good in the world and she will be missed, and is forever in our hearts.