Patricia Claudette Martin

Patricia Claudette Martin of Bangor passed away peacefully on October 14, 2026, following a prolonged illness that she endured with courage and grace. Her family is deeply grateful for the compassionate and professional care she received from the staff of Bangor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and the Constellation Hospice Team.

Patti was born on August 5, 1950, in Edmundston, New Brunswick, to Patrick and Martha (Albert) Martin. She moved with her family during childhood to Brewer, Maine, where she developed the warmth, wit, and generous spirit that would become her hallmark throughout life. A graduate of John Bapst High School, Class of 1968, Patti earned her nursing degree from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in 1971. Ever motivated to learn, she later attended Boston University, ultimately earning a degree in Liberal Arts from the University of Maine in 1987.

Pat devoted her professional life to caring for others. After beginning her nursing career at Massachusetts General in Boston and a tenure in Norwalk, Conn., in 1974, she joined Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor, where she worked first in pediatrics and later served as one of the first nurses at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). As the Designated Charge Nurse, she persistently and compassionately advocated for families and their babies. Alongside her dedicated colleagues, she spent 39 years caring for and saving countless premature infants, providing comfort and hope for generations of families at the times they were most vulnerable.

Serving as the chairwoman of the organizing committee and union president for registered nurses at Eastern Maine Medical Center (EMMC), Pat acted as a primary leader throughout the hospital's groundbreaking union campaign and contentious contract negotiations. She helped lead the historic effort that won Maine's first-ever hospital nurse union election in 1976, demonstrating the same dedication and integrity that defined every aspect of her life.

Patti's desire to help others extended well beyond her profession. She generously volunteered with community organizations, including Bangor's American Folk Festival and the Eastern Area Agency on Aging. She treasured time spent with friends and family and could often be found enjoying a meal out, participating in trivia nights, and golfing. Her door was open to all. Her quick wit, kindness, and ability to connect with people left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate to feel the warmth of her sunny personality.

She found great joy in gardening and creating a welcoming sanctuary where she delighted in feeding visiting birds. Her passion was especially evident in the affection she shared with her own feathered companions, Patrick, Birdie Girl, and, famously, Paco, whose friendly antics endeared him to family and friends. She applied her green thumb and fertile imagination to fulfill her vision of a respite corner for distressed loved ones visiting the Intensive Care Unit. To this day, her Butterfly Garden outside the ICU serves as a place of solace and communion for families in crisis.

Pat was predeceased by her parents and her brothers, Lionel "Babe" Martin, John "Johnny" Martin, and Robert "Bobby" Martin. She is survived by her sister, Frances Harrill and husband Jim of Hollis Center; her brother, Louis Martin and wife Vicki of Bangor; her beloved niece and goddaughter, Pamela Green of Florida, whose steadfast support, love, and advocacy were a source of great comfort, especially throughout Patti's later years; and her devoted partner of 25 years, Phil Emery of Brewer, who as an unwavering partner in Love, Life, and everyday adventures greatly enhanced Patti's life. Her family is profoundly grateful for the deep devotion dear Phil lovingly manifested throughout their years together.

Her generous spirit compelled her family and friends to channel their unwavering love and support, especially brother Lou, sister Frannie, niece Pammy, nephew Matt, and cousins Jay, Peter and his daughter Keilin. Patti's generations of cousins, nieces, and nephews will forever recall her with warm fondness. Among her beloved close friends were her constant companion Liz Ryan, and Marilyn Rice, Retha Berube, and Marcia Biggane. These ladies enriched Patti's life beyond description. They say the same of her.

The Martin Family extends heartfelt thanks to the many caregivers, friends, and loved ones who brought companionship and joy to her life. Supporting individuals and families affected by domestic violence was a cause close to her heart. In lieu of flowers, donations in Patti's memory may be made to Partners for Peace, P.O. Box 653, Bangor, ME 04402-0653.

Patti's family welcomes you to join all for a Celebration of Life at Seasons Restaurant, Main St., Bangor, from noon to 3 pm on Friday, November 6th. Her strength, kindness, and generous spirit touched countless lives and remain her enduring legacy. She will be forever remembered with love for her deep compassion, sharp humor, and warm friendship.