Donalda T. Martin

Donalda Theresa Martin (nee Rivard), 94, of Milford, and formerly of Upton and Ashland, passed away Thursday, October 26, 2023, after a period of declining health.  She was born on December 20, 1928, in Upton, MA, daughter of the late Azarias and Alphonsine (Paille) Rivard.

Donalda lived in Ashland, MA for many years before moving to Marlboro, MA and Milford, MA.  She was also a summer resident at her cottage in Dennisport, MA in her younger years.

She was a graduate of St. Mary’s High School in Milford, MA.  During this time, she worked and modeled for the Upton Hat Shop (William Knowlton Hat Co.).

Donalda was employed as Executive Secretary at G.E. Telechron in Ashland until the births of her children.  After raising her children, Donalda worked at the law firm of Uehlein, Nason and Wall in Natick, MA.  Never one to sit idle, Donalda continued employment at Kohl’s in Milford, MA after retirement!

A loving, kind, incredibly strong and mischievous woman (especially with her grandchildren and great grandchildren).  Family was Donalda’s passion.  There were no strangers in her life well lived as everyone became her friend.

Donalda was proud of her French roots but was a true American Patriot.  She was a Charter Member of Post #2331 VFW in Ashland, MA where she presided as President of the Ladies Auxiliary numerous times.  She was especially proud of the fund raising the organization did to afford Ashland Senior High School Students Scholarships as well as aiding past Veterans.

Donalda is survived by her two children Sandra McGillycuddy and her husband Eugene and Joseph H. Martin the IV.

Loving Grandmother to Matthew McGillycuddy and his wife Kristin and Bryana McGillycuddy Beaton and her husband Alexander.  Devoted Great Grandmother to Sean and Brian McGillycuddy and Liam Beaton.  She also leaves behind Edward Gilmartin of Ireland whom she embraced as her own grandson.

She leaves behind two sisters-in-law: Charlotte Rivard, and Theresa Martin and a brother-in-law Col. James Martin and his wife Rhona.  Donalda leaves behind many cherished nieces and nephews.  She will be sadly missed by her two favorite dogs that she lovingly cared for Brady and Finnegan.

She is predeceased by her brothers Donald and Francis Rivard, by her sister Loretta (Rivard) Lemoine, her brothers-in-law John Martin and Leo Lemoine, a sister-in-law Rachel (Lemoine) Rivard and two nieces Faith (Rivard) Macia and Amy (Martin) Savopolous.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Broadreach in Chatham, MA, especially the Hospice Division for their exceptional care and dedication.

Her funeral Mass will be held at 11 AM on Friday, November 3, in St. Gabriel the Archangel Church, 151 Mendon St. Upton.  Burial will follow in Lakeview Cemetery, Upton.

A calling hour will take place prior to the Mass from 9 to 10:30 AM in the Pickering & Son Upton Funeral Home, 45 Main St. Upton.

Donations may be made in Donalda’s memory to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 222 Bloomingdale Road, Suite 210, White Plaines, NY 10605 or online link: give.cff.org/tribute/tributetodonalda or to any animal shelter of your choice.