Martha Harriet (Dodge) Kierstead, 99, of Damariscotta, passed away on the afternoon of June 1, 2024, at her home where she had lived for 72 years, surrounded by her sister, Katherine, brother-in-law, Chester, and nieces Kim, Ricki, and Amy. Born at home in Newcastle, on May 15, 1925, she was a daughter of Charles and Martha (Laine) Dodge.
Martha grew up in Newcastle, where she attended local schools and Lincoln Academy. On June 20, 1943, she married Harry Kierstead, and the couple later built their home on School Street in Damariscotta in 1952.
She worked at Sylvania in Waldoboro for nearly 30 years, where she made many lifelong friends. After her retirement, she volunteered for the Miles Rummage Sale and Thrift Shop until she was 93 years old.
Martha enjoyed having coffee time on Fridays with her sisters and close friends. She was a talented quilter and seamstress, enjoyed crafting, gardening, and keeping her home. She had a close group of quilting friends who met regularly. She also was a member of the Clamshell Quilters.
Together, she and Harry enjoyed traveling, boating, spending time with family and friends, and snowmobiling. She spent many years with friends as part of Jake’s Rangers on Matagamon Lake in northern Maine.
Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Harry Kierstead; sister, Vera Lincoln; and four brothers, Charles Dodge, Ormand Dodge, Larry Dodge, and Elliott Dodge.
She is survived by her brother, Richard Dodge and his wife, Madeline; sister, Katherine Rice and her husband, Chester; many nieces and nephews and their families; and many special friends. She was affectionately known as “Aunt Farfee” to many.
Martha will be laid to rest privately with Harry in the Hillside Cemetery in Damariscotta.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta, ME 04543. Condolences, and messages for her family, may be expressed by visiting stronghancock.com.
