Martha L. Trotter

12/06/1928 – 10/09/2021 Martha L. (Lapointe) Trotter, a lifelong resident of Burlington, passed away in peace at the McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester on October 9th, 2021. She chose to release her spirit while her youngest daughter was present. She was two months shy of her 93rd birthday.

Born on December 6th,1928, Martha was the ninth of thirteen children born to Arthur and Emilia (Sicard) Lapointe. She and her siblings, along with far too many relatives to list, lived in what is now a Historic Residential Community of Burlington: Lakeside. It was Lakeside that defined Martha’s life. Those who knew her learned just how revered Lakeside was to her.

Martha graduated high school at Hudson Academy (Now Presentation of Mary Academy) in Hudson, New Hampshire. After two attempts at convent life, fate interceded and took her to Burlington, Vermont. She worked at the telephone company and made lifelong friendships. Through her sister, Bernadette, a nun and RN, at Fanny Allen Hospital, Hotel Dieu, she met her future husband (or rather he met her) while he was employed at Fanny Allen. Earl and Bernadette enjoyed a delightful friendship but after listening to Earl’s relentless inquiries, unending questions, and futile pursuits regarding her sister, Bernadette finally told Martha, “For goodness sake, Martha, marry him!”

On October 8th, 1955, she married Earl D. Trotter, originally from Mt Vernon New York. They raised four daughters, making Tracy Drive their home. Thanks to Martha, Tracy Drive became the new Lakeside; a community that would sustain memories and friendships among families for life. As the girls grew older, the family moved to Staniford Road, next door to their lifelong friends, the Deforges. And what fun it was!

In the 1970s, Martha became the first female to drive a school bus in the state of Vermont. Employed by the Colchester School District for several decades, her career rose from driver to Manager of Transportation for the district. In her retirement, she oftentimes crossed paths with adult children, she drove and sometimes even their children.

Martha is predeceased by her husband Earl. Her parents Arthur and Emelia, her brothers, Eli, Henry, William, David, and Arthur. Her sisters, Muriel, Bernadette, Marguerite, Theresa, Helen Benoit and Bibianne McDowell. She is survived by her loving sister Agatha Lapointe of Essex Junction, Vermont.

Martha leaves behind her four daughters, Paula Trotter (Suzanne Prindiville), Kay-Ellen Willette (Charlie), Elizabeth Trotter (Richard Blum) and Donna Savage, (Patrick), Her four grandchildren, Calli and Chelsea Willette, Shea and Jack Savage. Martha was a “Ma tante” to 36 nieces and nephews. Her children, grandchildren, and others will remember her never ending words of support, optimism and encouragement. Martha enthusiastically attended countless sporting events, including t-ball, peewee hockey, little league and high school baseball, ​basketball, Cross Country running, track and field. She was a fixture at UVM men’s and women’s basketball games for over three decades.

Martha was proud of her own athleticism. As a girl playing baseball with the boys at Lakeside Park, to a young woman, skiing, speed skating, and swimming, and as a mom, summer league softball with the gals at Leddy Park.

Martha was all about family, friends, love, and joy.

The Trotter girls would like to acknowledge the dedicated clinical and caregiving teams that were instrumental with our mom’s peaceful passing; Birchwood Terrace, (C-Wing) and McClure Miller Respite House, (Cardinal room #3.) Special recognition to Dr. Alicia Jacobs for her loving and healing care to our mom, to Kathy Keenan for her special kinship with mom for almost fifty years, to Norm and Barb Deforge along with Chubby and Flo Moran (all deceased), for their everlasting friendship spanning over seven decades.

A special thank you to our incredibly supportive spouses, Suzie, Charlie, Richard, and Patrick. To Aunt Agatha, Jacky Deforge, Judy (Carpenter) and Jo-Ann Deforge, cousins Mary Kim Lavery and her sister, Marsha Drake, for guiding us through this challenging and ultimate journey. You are the experts. To Dad’s Best Man, Jim Felony (Semper Fi), and Sue Knapp for keeping our connection strong and vibrant. And finally, Laurie Hill for bringing lunch to her best friend.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester.

Calling hours, Friday Oct 15th, 4p-7p at Lavigne Funeral Home in Winooski, (words of remembrance will begin at 6:15p) Masks are required. A private burial will be held at a later date.