Martha Horton

Martha (Belanger) Horton, 74, of Barnstead, NH, passed away on December 12, 2024. She was the beloved wife of Ralph Horton, with whom she shared 52 wonderful years of marriage. Martha was the daughter of the late George R. and the late Anna (Spellman) Belanger. Martha was born on October 5, 1950, in Nashua, NH. She received her education from the Sisters of Mercy at Sacred Heart Elementary School and Mount Saint Mary Seminary in Nashua. She graduated from Rivier College (now Rivier University) in 1972 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. Martha taught first through third grades at Holy Infant Jesus and St. Christopher’s Schools in Nashua, NH, Library Street School in Hudson, NH, and the Mont Vernon Village School in Mont Vernon, NH. One of Martha’s greatest joys was her family. She loved cheering on her oldest son, Eric, during his Babe Ruth baseball games and enjoyed watching her younger son, David, in his high school marching band. In recent years, she found immense pleasure in attending or listening to tales of her grandchildren's activities and celebrating their achievements. She treasured every moment, whether it was concerts, first communions, football games, hockey games, field hockey matches, or soccer games. Martha was deeply committed to her work with the Ladies of St. Katharine Drexel. She embraced the true Spirit of Christmas, particularly valuing their service projects of adopting local families in need and supporting homeless veterans at Liberty House in Manchester, NH during the holiday season. Martha exemplified the values of St. Katharine Drexel by living a life of humility, strength, devotion, and love for her family while helping others. This is the remarkable legacy she leaves behind. Martha is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Ralph Horton of Barnstead, NH. She also leaves behind two sons and their wives: Eric and Amy Horton of Springvale, ME, and David and Beth Horton of Raleigh, NC. Martha cherished her five grandchildren: Sean, Rebecca, and Allison Horton of Springvale, ME, and Mackenzie and Tyler Horton of Raleigh, NC. Additionally, she is survived by her sister and her husband, Paula and Gary McNiff of Tamworth, NH, along with several nieces, nephews, grandnephews, and a grand-niece. Martha’s funeral will take place on December 28, 2024, at 9:30 AM, at St. Patrick’s Church, located at 29 Spring St., Nashua, NH. Burial will follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, 102 Derry St., Hudson, NH. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Martha’s name to St. Katharine Drexel at 40 Hidden Springs Rd., Alton, NH. 03809

Martha Horton

October 5, 1950 - December 12, 2024