ACTON, MASS. and HARRISON — Martha M. McNeil, 73, of both Acton, Mass., and Harrison, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, Aug. 26, 2016.

She was born on Thanksgiving day, Nov. 25, 1943, in New Haven, Conn., daughter of Donald A. and Alice Lee McNeil. Martha graduated from Hampden High School in 1962, being an exceptional student and cheerleader. After graduating from her mother's alma mater, Fitchburg College, she joined the Concord Massachusetts School Department where she taught for over forty years, inspiring kids with Social Studies and History as well as coaching both Field Hockey and Fencing.

Martha was kind and generous, her spirit and will vibrant and strong. Her dynamic personality was reflected in her love of small, fast sport cars, photography and a penchant for travel.

Travel was a tremendous part of Martha's life. Her experiences went beyond simple visits and more for gaining firsthand knowledge of other cultures and their histories. Russia, Great Britain, Africa, Egypt, Greece and Ireland were some of the places she visited.

Although she saw the world, every summer since 1964 was spent on Long Lake in Harrison, Maine. She was a gregarious fixture of the tight-knit lake community, known for living in the “red cottage,” one of the first in Cape Monday Cove.

Martha was dedicated to her family and was an exceptional caregiver to her mother Alice in the last ten years of her life.

Martha was well-loved in return, not only by family but friends as well. Her Cape Monday Cove Family, her “breakfasts with boys” and her book club were all big parts of her life.

An avid reader, player of Scrabble and Sudoku, she had spent the last several winters in Punta Gorda, Fla., generously hosting her northern family and friends looking for a break from the snow.

Martha was predeceased by her parents and beloved younger brother George. She is survived by her brother Donald A. McNeil Jr. and his wife Barbara of Yarmouth; sister Alyce McNeil of Acton, Mass.; nieces, Pauline J. McNeil of Durham and Kristine B. McNeil of Biddeford; nephew Donald A. McNeil III and his wife Jen of North Yarmouth and their children; her great-nephew Sully and great-niece Finley.

Martha is already missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2016, at Concord's Colonial Inn, in Concord, Mass., from 1 to 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Martha's name to Lakes Environmental Association, 230 Main Street, Bridgton, ME 04009.