Martha B. Flint, 77, of Bridgton, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 24, 2011 in her home in Bridgton. Martha died after a heroic battle with cancer.

Martha was born in North Bridgton, on Dec. 19, 1933 to Horace and Annie Josephine Ridlon Flint. She graduated third in her class at Bridgton Academy in 1952.

Martha was honored numerous times for her tremendous voluntarism and community contributions. She was nominated for the WCSH-6 Jefferson Award in 1992, received the Alumni Service Award from Bridgton Academy in 1992, the Outstanding Volunteer award in 2001 from the Fryeburg-Lovell VFW Auxiliary, was presented a BA Championship Watch by the Bridgton Academy basketball team in 2005, and was inducted into the Bridgton Academy Hall of Fame in 2007.

Martha worked for the Norway Shoe Company for 18 years until 1971, at which point she embarked on her career with the United States Postal Service. She worked as a postal clerk for Center Lovell, Harrison, Lovell, Stoneham, North Bridgton and Portland. In 1981, she was named postmaster of 04057, in North Bridgton, a post she proudly held until her retirement in 1995. It was in the North Bridgton posting that she served not only the community, but a new class of Bridgton Academy students each year, a role she relished.

Martha’s extensive community involvement included past service to: Rainbow Advisory Board, Hope Haven Gospel Mission, Town of Sweden, North Bridgton Community Club president, Bridgton Historical Society secretary, officer to the Order of the White Shrine of Jerusalem Madonna Shrine, Bear Mountain Grange secretary, and the Heritage Fund.

Martha remained active up until her last days with the Fryeburg-Lovell VFW Auxiliary, which she had been involved since 1971, serving as president, secretary, treasurer, chaplain, and color bearer. She served as secretary to the VFW District 10, representing Cumberland County at both state and district conventions. She was an officer in Bridgton’s Order of the Eastern Star, served on the board of Bridge Crossing, and was chairwoman of the Lakeside Grange in Harrison and Oxford Pomona Grange. She frequently volunteered at the Maine Veterans Home. Martha was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Waterford Seniors, and the Golden Oldies. Martha was also very involved with the State Grange as well as the National Grange. She was a charter member of the North Bridgton Historical Society as well as the Sweden Historical Society. She served as deacon for both the North Bridgton and Sweden Churches and was the secretary and treasurer for the North Bridgton Cemetery Association. In addition, Martha formed the Bridgton Chapter of the Red Hat Society, building it to over 100 members. She also served as the first vice president of the Bridgton Hospital Guild.

Martha was ever present at Bridgton Academy alumni and athletic events and enjoyed a lifetime lunch pass at the Academy where she could keep tabs on “her boys.” Years ago, she founded an award in the name of her family at Bridgton Academy that recognizes academic improvement. To date, over 30 years of Bridgton Academy graduates have been honored with the Flint Improvement Award.

Martha B. Flint was a shining example of someone who loved life and lived it to the fullest. During her final weeks, there was an ever-present flow of friends and family visiting her home to share with her stories and wish her well as she prepared for this journey. She will be dearly and eternally missed by the many friends, family and fans she has left behind.

In the last months of her life, Martha’s friends and family gathered several times to show her their support and appreciation. An event held at the Sweden Town Hall was standing room only and many wonderful and at times humorous stories involving Martha were shared. At a recent Bridgton Academy basketball game, the team had her favorite spot in the stands painted to celebrate her longtime support, and to remind everyone just whose spot it is. 

She is survived by her sister Marion Flint Brooks of Naples; brother, Samuel Flint of South Portland; loving nieces and nephew; stepdaughter Ellen Gillford; and a stepgrandson.

She was predeceased by her brother, Horace Flint Jr.; sister, Mary Ann; and her stepgrandson.

A celebration of Martha’s life will be held at Bridgton Academy in the Memorial Gym on Saturday, March 19, 2011, at 2 p.m.

Martha requests that in lieu of flowers, donations in her honor be directed to the Annie R., Horace A. and Martha B. Flint Award, care of Bridgton Academy, PO Box 292, North Bridgton, ME 04057.

Arrangements are made with Wood Funeral Home, Fryeburg. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.woodfuenralhome.org