PLATTSBURGH – Martha Lockwood passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on February 27, 2024.  She was born in West Point, NY on March 7, 1946 to her parents Elsie and Allan Everest.  Growing up in Peru and Plattsburgh as an only child, Martha always wanted to be a part of a large family, and the importance of family is a theme that ran through her life.  Martha's happiest childhood memories were at the family's camp, Cedar Bluff, in Vermont where she played, ran free, and sought mischief with her cousins.  She often "visited" camp in her final weeks.

At times a rebellious child, Martha broke her parents' cardinal rule by dating a young airman, named Roland Lockwood.  After a short courtship they ran off and eloped in 1965 to avoid the disapproval of her parents.  Fortunately, once her parents met Roland they quickly came to see the qualities that had drawn her to him and accepted him with open arms into the family.  Always wanting to be part of a large family, Martha was thrilled to travel to her husband's hometown in Maryland and meet his many, many siblings.  As the youngest child of 17, Roland's family was big, loud and full of love, and it brought her great joy to be welcomed into that family.

Roland and Martha remained devoted to each other for 60 years and were rarely far apart.  As she required increasing levels of support over the last few years, her care became the singular focus of Roland's life and she was truly blessed to have him by her side.

And then came her children, Tracey (Richard), Allan (Andrea) and Jason (Erin) who she loved with all of her heart, even as they provided a never ending source of stress and anxiety through their questionable antics and attempts to establish dominance over one another.  Fortunately, Roland was there to help educate her on the dynamics between talented, strong-willed and energetic siblings.  In the end, somehow Martha and Roland did it; no one landed in jail, all became gainfully employed, all started families of their own and felt fortunate to be raised in the Lockwood household.

Martha was a bookkeeper by trade and in addition to a small business that she ran out of her house, she spent 17 years working for Clinton Community College where she enjoyed working with students, particularly with the Student Senate.  She retired from Clinton Community College in 2013.  Her hobbies included knitting, cross stitch and puzzles and the occasional slot machine.  She especially loved playing cards with family members and while some members became quite competitive, Martha's greatest joy was simply being together with her husband and various combinations of cousins, children, in-laws and grandchildren.

Martha was at her happiest when worrying about her loved ones. Her grandchildren soon began to fill the void that was created as her children stabilized and moved out on their own. As devoted as she was to her children, she was equally devoted to her grandchildren.  Tracey's children, Colin, Gavin, Greyson and Reylyn, Allan's children, Evan and Kailey, and Jason's children, Alexander, Taylor, Brandon and Natalie meant the world to Martha.  We are all confident that wherever she is, Martha is looking down and still trying to take care of all of us.  Honestly though, she could probably use a break.

A celebration of Martha's life will be held on Saturday, March 2, from 1:00pm - 4:00pm at the Butcher Block's Adirondack Room in Plattsburgh, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Third Age Adult Day Center.

To share a memory or condolence with the family, please visit www.rwwalkerfh.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the R.W. Walker Funeral Home, 69 Court Street, Plattsburgh, NY.