VINALHAVEN — Martha Elaine Coffin Reed, 70, died comfortably at home on Vinalhaven, Wednesday, May 8, 2024 after a courageous fight with ovarian cancer. She spent her final days surrounded by all those who loved her.

Martha was born in Lowell, Massachusetts, on August 18, 1953 to Peter N. Coffin and Elaine G. Coffin. She grew up in Hamilton, Massachusetts, and moved to Maine to attend the University of Maine at Orono where she earned her Bachelor Degree to become a veterinary technician in 1975.

From there she went on to live and work as a veterinary technician in Rockland for 15 years, where she made many friends who shared her love of animals.

For over twenty years Martha bred Great Danes and participated in dog shows. Her pride and joy, Buck, won Best of Breed in 1984 and became a champion.

A force of nature, there wasn’t anything she couldn’t do. When building her first house in Warren she wanted a masonry chimney, but couldn’t afford to have it put in, so she took a class at the vocational school and built the whole thing herself, topping it off with beach rocks.

In 1984 she met the love of her life, Wesley, through his dog Rocky when he brought him into the vet. In 1986 they were married and Rocky was the ring bearer. Shortly after, she moved out to Vinalhaven, Maine, which became her forever home and is where she discovered her love for gardening.

In 1990, Martha and Wes welcomed their daughter, Natalie, into the world. Martha and Natalie had a very special bond, sharing a love for music, gardening, animals, books, and quiet weekends in Boothbay Harbor. They could communicate without words and were as close as a mother and daughter could be.

Martha was known to have numerous talents, but she was most known for her love of animals, gardening, and singing. She had music in her soul, and was singing right up until the end. She was a member of the Royal River Chorus, and the Granite Chicks, both A cappella singing groups in the area.

A master gardener, she was at her happiest in the garden. For the last 10 years of her career she was a cut flower farmer, and was famous on the island and beyond for her gorgeous flower arrangements, selling out at nearly every flea market. Her perfect day would consist of working in the garden and then curling up with a good book on the porch or with her cat, Bailey.

Martha was predeceased by her mother, Elaine G. Coffin and sister, Deborah G. Coffin along with so many beloved pets.

She is survived by her father, Peter N. Coffin, who is an inspiration to all that meet him, still going strong at 102; her husband of 38 years, Wesley C. Reed; and daughter, Natalie C. Reed.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, June 22, 2024, at 11 a.m., at 18 Atlantic Avenue, on Vinalhaven.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of Martha Reed to Great Dane Rescue of New England at grdne.org or to ovarian cancer research at Maine Medical Center c/o the Philanthropy Center, 22 Bramhall Street, Portland, ME 04102 or mmc.org/donate

To share a memory or condolences with Martha’s family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.