Van Buren--- Martha Castonguay, 85, passed away on March 30, 2021 at the Aroostook House of Comfort in Presque Isle, ME.  Martha bravely fought ovarian cancer for 8 years, undergoing 3 separate rounds of chemotherapy.  Through it all she remained positive and steadfast in her Catholic faith.

Martha was born in Drummond, New Brunswick, on May 22, 1935.  She was the daughter of Charles and Adeline (Rioux) Castonguay.  When she was 4 years old her family moved to Van Buren, Maine, which was her father's birthplace. Martha attended Van Buren schools and worked in Real Estate, Interior Design, and later in her life as a Certified Nurse's Aide specializing in Home Health.  She enjoyed working with the elderly and providing Hospice care, which she did in Portland, Maine for 8 years.  Martha was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, the Daughters of Isabelle and the Columbiettes.  Martha loved her Catholic Faith and was an active member of her church, St. Bruno in Van Buren, where she volunteered as a CCD teacher for ten years and served as a Eucharistic Minister.

Martha was divorced from Lionel Sirois (deceased) and is survived by their six children: Marian of Salt Lake City, UT; Donna of South Portland, ME; Marsha and her husband Doug of Scarborough, ME; Lynn of Charlotte, NC; Gregory of Van Buren, ME; and Katheryn and her husband Karl of Kaysville, UT.  Martha is also survived by nine grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and three siblings: Florence McCluskey of Grand Falls, New Brunswick; and Rita Cyr and Louis Castonguay of Bristol, CT.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents, five brothers and two sisters: Paul, Fernand, Roger, O'Neil, Armand, Annette Leonard and Claire Madore.

The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the caring medical professionals at Cary Medical Center, The Aroostook House of Comfort and Caribou Rehab and Nursing.  Each of these facilities treated Martha with kindness and compassion during her final months.

Funeral and burial services will be announced at a later date.  Arrangements are by Lajoie Funeral Home, 118 High Street, Van Buren.