Martha Flint Swain

Martha Flint Swain NEWPORT — Martha Flint Swain passed away November 9, 2022, at Woodlawn Care Center, Newport, NH, with her two sons, Lon L. Swain of Larkspur, Colorado, and Mark F. Swain of Portsmouth, NH, nearby. She was born Martha Ruth Flint, June 7, 1935, the eldest of six children, to Charles Kenneth and Esther R. Flint of Newport and later, Sunapee, NH. Martha began her early education in a one-room schoolhouse in Kellyville. She often shared vivid memories of classroom walks up Blueberry Ridge Rd, where the First Grade Teacher would take them on bird walks. She attended Newport Elementary Schools and graduated from Towle High School in 1953. She maintained friendships with many of her childhood classmates throughout her life and attended the Class of 1953 reunion luncheon every year. Martha graduated from Keene State in 1957, providing the opportunity to pursue the only career she ever aspired to, that of a teacher. After spending her first teaching year in Connecticut, she returned to Newport, where she spent the next 37 years teaching mostly fourth grade at Richards and Towle Elementary Schools. In 1958 Martha married her childhood sweetheart, Leland S. (Buzzy) Swain. Rumor has it the romance began in 5th grade when Buzzy used his paper route bankroll to bring her jelly donuts. It was a great match, and they remained Newport residents throughout their wonderful 45-year marriage. Martha’s hobbies included nightly bouts with Jeopardy, Crossword puzzles, and being the ultimate sports fan, including The Boston Celtics, the Boston Red Sox and a never-ending love of the Green Bay Packers . Fantasy Football was her passion, and she served as the Commissioner of a local Fantasy League for over twenty years. She was an avid reader, and a fun fact known by few outside her family: She is the published author of a romance novel in 2015, titled, ‘Housekeeper Desired’, with a cover designed by her granddaughter, Carly Keaten. Her writing talents also extended to beautiful poems for special events, including retirements, memorials, anniversaries and birthdays. Martha was predeceased by her husband Leland S. Swain, her father, Charles Kenneth Flint, her mother, Esther R. Flint, her brother, Kenneth W. Flint, her brother-in-law, Oscar Saunders, her nephew, Steven Flint, and her sister-in-law, Bonnie Flint. Surviving family members include Son Lon L. Swain and his wife Danette of Larkspur, CO, grand daughter Carly and her husband Taylor Keaten and great granddaughter, Waverly June Keaten of Lakewood, CO, and her Son Mark F. Swain and wife Kimberley, and grandson, Jack L. Swain of Portsmouth, NH. She is also survived by siblings: Kendall M. Flint and wife Greta of Sandston, VA, David L Flint of Sunapee, NH, Andrea F. Lapins and husband Harry of Newport NH, and Rebecca Cheney and husband Tom, of Sunapee, NH., and several nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews. Martha served as an active member of the Newport Service Organization from 1995 until the present when her health forced a cutback in hours served. She was a former President of the NSO, a weekly volunteer on Fridays, and current Scholarship Chair. She was also a member for many years of the Newport Wealth Club. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to the Newport Service Organization, 37 John Stark Highway, Newport, NH 03773. The family expresses special thanks to the staff at New London Hospital and Woodlawn Care Center. Memorial Services will be held at Newton-Bartlett Funeral Home, 42 Main Street in Newport on Tuesday, November 15th at 11 :00 am. Personal condolences can be expressed at website: newtonbartlett.com