Marthe P. Charbonneau

Marthe "Marti" P. Charbonneau, 75, of Old Orchard Beach, passed away at home with her loving family (Ed, Julie and Kristine) by her side during the early morning of Tuesday, October 31, 2023.

She was born in St-Sebastien, Quebec on December 21, 1947, a daughter of Jean-Marie and Francoise (Gagnon) Paradis. Following the death of her father in 1961, the family moved to Quebec City where Marti attended school through Junior College and worked at Christ-Roi Hospital.

Marti met the love of her life, Edward Charbonneau, while vacationing with her beloved sister-in-law, Gladys, in Old Orchard Beach during the summer of 1969. Marti had fallen asleep on the beach after driving overnight from Canada. Ed, an Old Orchard Beach lifeguard, noticed that she was starting to burn and woke her up. It was love at first sight. The two grew their relationship by sending letters and had a few visits. By December of that same year, Ed asked her mother for Marti's hand in marriage. They were married the following summer on August 8, 1970. Marti and Ed began their new lives together in the same town they first met – Old Orchard Beach.

In 1971, Marti and Ed were enraptured by a newborn American Quarter Horse stallion owned by a dear friend who had taken Marti under her wing to teach her English. Yes, in case you didn't know, Marti spoke no English when she got married. They soon acquired Gee Whiz and walked him 2-3 miles up the Ross Road in O.O.B to the Ross Road in Saco. Their destination was a horse farm owned by soon-to-be friends, George and Judy Doody. (And yes, they are familiar with the term Howdy). Gee Whiz was raised there until Marti and Ed built a house in Arundel, ME. Marti never got the chance to ride the stallion, but she and her visiting Mom observed Ed flying through the air where he landed in a large pile of horse manure!

Marti endured frequent absences of Ed's 16-year career in the U. S. Navy Seabees. While Ed traveled to Spain, Cuba, Panama, etc for the Navy, Marti's own love of travel took her all over France, Mexico and many countries throughout the Caribbean by plane and ships.

Desiring more open space, they soon moved to an 11 acre parcel of land in Arundel where their two wonderful daughters, Kristine and Julie, were born. In 1976, the family relocated to Waterboro. This is where Marti began her daycare business, providing care for the children of area teachers while they were attending to their students. Marti touched many lives during this time, which spanned from the early 80s to 2006. She made many lasting friendships, both with the children she looked after and with their parents.

Marti was an amazing French cook, making delicious dishes from recipes that were passed down from her French-Canadian parents, grandparents and aunts. She enjoyed cooking for all occasions and holidays, especially for her favorite holiday of all - Christmas. She lived for Christmas, the decorations, the food and the family traditions.

Marti had many interesting hobbies. She had a creative side, making tole paintings on the wooden plaques and cutouts that Ed would cut and sand for her. She was a 2nd degree black belt in Taekwondo, and won many national championships in her ten years of active competition during the 1980's. Throughout her life, she continued to have a great love for the beach. She most frequently visited Bayview Beach, Saco where she would bring her daughters at least 4 times a week. Marti would lay for hours in the warmth of the sun. Dear to her heart, were her beloved Miniature Schnauzers which began in 1993 with the purchase of their first puppy. First it was Pepper and Lady and then it was Chloe and Marti's personal guardian, Sadie. She would be seen walking them several times per day along with Ed and she regularly prepared home cooked meatloaf meals for them.

Being a very outgoing and social person, Marti enjoyed spending time with her dear friends and was always the life of the party. Her big, bright smile would bring a smile to everyone's face when she walked in the room. Her friends remember her rollerblading on West Road in Waterboro in the 90s and most recently walking and biking the neighborhood at Seacoast Resort in Old Orchard Beach and Melbourne, Florida. Marti spent approximately 8 years each in St. Romain, QC, Melbourne, FL and OOB, ME. She loved feeding her birds and caring for many plants throughout the year. Marti leaves behind many family members and friends in several countries.

She was predeceased by her sister, Danielle Paradis, her beloved nephew Jean- Pierre Paradis and her 4 much-loved pups.

Marti is survived by her husband of 53 years, Edward Charbonneau; two daughters, Kristine Charbonneau and Julie Iacopelli with husband Peter; two brothers, Michel Paradis and Richard Paradis; four grandchildren, Renee, Ryan, Daniel and Dominic; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Graveside Service will be held at 1:00pm on Friday, June 21, 2024, at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Biddeford, Maine.