Martha Chakarian

Martha (Hagopian) Chakarian, 91, of Hollywood, FL and New Durham, NH was called home to be with the Lord on July 7, 2022, having passed peacefully after a brief illness surrounded by her family.

She was born on August 26, 1930 in Lawrence, MA to the late Sarkis M. and Veron (Najarian) Hagopian.  Martha married Andrew G. “Andy” Chakarian in 1951 and settled in Salem, NH to raise their family.  In 1965 they built a summer home on Merrymeeting Lake in New Durham, which continues to serve as a cherished family gathering place nearly 60 years later.  After retiring, Martha and Andy moved to FL in the late-1980’s but continued to summer every year at the lake with their family. 

Known for her beautiful black hair, signature gold earrings, her smile and the twinkle in her eye, her appearance was lovely, but her heart far more beautiful.  Martha was a homemaker, but that word does not begin to describe the central and important role she played in her family’s lives. She was thrifty and frugal, but generous to anyone in need. Her laugh was joyful and passionate and those who heard it could not help but join in. Endlessly energetic, she was always available and present—whether that meant being with her grandchildren, preparing a feast of Armenian food for a crowd at the lake, or helping in the fields at her son Billy’s farm—she was devoted to her family.  Her voice was musical and she loved to talk about both the simple and the serious things in life with everyone around her.  She had a special, tender bond with each of her family members and friends and possessed a wonderful, rare gift of making everyone she knew feel loved and cared for.  

Martha leaves behind her children William Chakarian of Derry, Sandra Hetnar and her husband Raymond of New Durham, Helen Toker and her husband Bruce of Salem, Samuel Chakarian of Derry who was her constant companion in her last years, and daughter in law Debra Knight of Salem. 

She is also survived by her 11 grandchildren:  Rebecca Chakarian (Ben Dalianis), Sarah (Mick) Swan, Joshua (Ruthie) Chakarian, Emily (TJ) Lannan, Meagan (Matthew) German, Jonathan Chakarian, Luke Toker (Kendra Gahara), Lyndsay Chakarian, Kristopher Chakarian (Destiny Mortell-Gurley), Rachel Toker and Melissa Griffin.  She also had the pleasure of knowing her 10 great-grandchildren who were very special to her.  She leaves behind her sister, Pearl Bowden of Corinna, ME and brother Chuck Hagopian of Auburndale FL, as well as cherished nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  Her neighbors Alvis and Lily Hyde and Kathleen McNair were especially dear to her. She was predeceased in 2017 by her beloved husband of 66 years, Andrew G. Chakarian and was also predeceased by her daughter-in-love,Linda White.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Martha’s memory to New Life Church (84 Nottingham Rd, Raymond, NH. 03077) or Hollywood Community Church (1708 North 60th Ave, Hollywood, FL. 33021)

Family and friends are invited to an hour of visitation from 10 am to 11 am on Thursday July 14, 2022 at the Goundrey & Dewhirst Funeral Home, 42 Main Street, Salem, NH. Funeral services will follow the visitation at 11:00 am on Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be in  Pine Grove Cemetery, Salem. To leave an online condolence, please visit Martha's tribute page at www.goundreydewhirstfuneral.com.

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