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Jean Kerkman
In Memory of
Jean Marie
Kerkman (Martelis)
1943 -
2017

Obituary for Jean Marie Kerkman (Martelis)

Jean Marie  Kerkman (Martelis)
Jean Marie Martelis Kerkman, 73, died peacefully at home on March 21, 2017, surrounded by her loving family. She was born December 10, 1943, in Boston, MA, the daughter of Jonas and Goldie (McLaughlin) Martelis.

Jean grew up in Jonesboro, where she spent most of her childhood with her beloved grandmother Jennie McLaughlin and her grandfather Charles McLaughlin. Many of her early memories and stories included her cousins David, John, Douglas and Velma and their many adventures on Look’s Point. She attended and graduated from Jonesboro High School. After graduation she moved to Fort Lee, Virginia and later Racine, Wisconsin. She later returned to Jonesboro to continue raising her children, completing her college degree at UMM and reconnecting with her Maine family. Once her children left home she moved to the Bangor area where she would eventually reside with her husband Larry. Jean and Larry would eventually begin to spend their winters in Florida where they made many great friends and memories at Settler’s Rest RV Resort. She was very dedicated to Grange. She was a 57 year member of the Maine State Grange and the National Grange. Jean enjoyed traveling with her husband and together they were able to visit many of the 50 states. She also enjoyed camping, taking cruises, reading, bowling, bingo, watching game shows and decorating for every holiday.

She is survived by her loving husband of 40 years, Larry Kerkman of Kenduskeag; two daughters, Deedra Leavitt and fiancé James Tyler of Corinth, Tamara Pennell (Jeff Thomas) of Loveville, MD; grandchildren, Mikaela Leavitt, Zachary Leavitt, and Samantha Pennell; many cousins and extended family members of her Down East Maine family. A very special thank you to her cousins David and Priscilla Look and John and Sheila Look for their love and support. Jean loved you all as her sisters and brothers she never had. The family would like to personally thank CHCS, CancerCare of Maine, Dana Farber Institute for their support and compassion during this difficult time.

A private family memorial will be held at a later date. Donations in her memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, One Bowdoin Mill Island, Suite #300, Topsham, ME 04086. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.
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