Greenfield, MA – Martha J. Damon of Greenfield, MA, died November 23, 2025, surrounded by many loved ones, who had been celebrating her 67th wedding anniversary. She passed away after 13 years of Parkinson’s Disease and a fall nine weeks before, leading to her death. Martha was born May 24, 1940 in Buckland, MA, at the Johnson Homestead, her maternal grandparents’ home. She is the daughter of Ira W. and Leona I. (Johnson) Graves. She was educated in the Shelburne, MA, schools, graduating from Arms Academy in 1958. She played percussion in the band and sang in the chorus.
On October 6, 1956, she met William (Billy) H. Damon of Ashfield, at a square dance in that town.
They were married on November 22, 1958, by the Rev. Ralph Rood, at the Greenfield First Baptist Church. She was predeceased by her parents; a brother, Edwin J. Graves; three brother-in-law’s, Jack Martin of Mt. Juliet, TN, David Grader of Buckland, and Bruce Gibbs of Northampton; three sisters-in-law, Margaret Gibbs of Northampton, Pam Graves of Shelburne, and Grace Thayer of Easthampton; and son-in-law, Mark N. Nelson, Sr. of Montague.
She is survived by her husband of 67 years, William; their three children, Kathy (Ray) Nicholas of Greenfield, Mary (Mike) Williams of Montague, and Steve (Joyana) Damon of Gill. Bill and Martha have ten grandchildren: Michael (Bethany) Nelson of Montague, Jennifer (Jeremy) Vight of South Hadley, Mark Nelson, Jr. (Abby Jenkins, fiancée) of Greenfield, Scott (Kellie) Nicholas of Erving, Kimberly (Adam) Gleason of Greenfield, Isaac Damon of Gill, Robby Nicholas of Okeechobee, FL, Ricky Nicholas of Okeechobee, FL, Michelle Douckas of Templeton, and Tyler (Lauren) Williams of Hampton, VA. The couple has several great grandchildren. She is survived by siblings Nancy Martin of Mt. Juliet, TN, Jim (Lauretta) Graves of Shelburne, and Sue Grader of Buckland. She is also survived by sister-in-law’s Dottie Damon of Hinsdale and Sarah Jean Graves of Shelburne, a brother-in-law, Russell Damon of Hinsdale, and a large extended family.
That family was always at the forefront of Martha’s mind. When she was involved in food (cooking for the Ys Men, catering, decorating wedding cakes, or assembling Brown Bags for Franklin County Community Meals), her family was in her thoughts – and – often by her side. A family friend mentioned how Martha reminded her of Mrs. Cleaver from Leave It to Beaver. That analogy was so perfect that it has lived in the Damon family since – and continues. After Martha baked many dozens of cookies in a single spree, she and Billy would deliver the wares to anybody looking for some cookies. Area radio listeners would hear about “The Cookie Lady” delivering cookies to the radio station. That was her. Her legendary rolls’ reputation was only exceeded by the peanut butter fudge she’d make for trick-or-treaters’ parents.
When she wasn’t in the kitchen (it happened a couple times), she was looking to help everybody. She volunteered at Franklin Nursing Home, Franklin Medical Center, Girls Scouts, Massachusetts Maple Producers Association, and at the Greenfield First Baptist Church – later in her life at the United Church of Bernardston. She put on countless meals at the First Baptist Church, where she was also active on the Flower Committee. Her infectious, gentle, and patient smile and quick, positive wit also spread the love of Christ through her.
The family made an annual sojourn to Ocean Park, ME, where Martha would spend most of her time cooking, but would occasionally go to the beach, where she would knit. When sitting in front of the t.v., she would knit baby booties, scarves, mittens (the Damon kids always had fresh mittens at Christmas), and hats. She knitted almost 700 hats for the preemies at Baystate Hospital in Springfield and Brattleboro Memorial Hospital.
The family thanks everybody for the outpouring of love. We are speechless when thinking of the care provided to Mom by Deb Miller and Tabitha Goncalves. Since her death, she has resided in Heaven, baking cookies, knitting, and spreading love.
Funeral services in celebration of Martha’s life, will be observed on Saturday, November 29, 2025 from the United Church of Bernardston, 58 Church Street, Bernardston, MA @ 10:00AM. The Rev. Dr. Robert M. “Bobby” Girard, Pastor will officiate. At the conclusion of the services, Martha’s family will accompany her to the North Meadow Cemetery, Green River Road, Greenfield, MA in observance of a private family committal service. Guests are invited to the Terrazza Restaurant, 244 Country Club Road, Greenfield, MA to await their return, to join them in a time of remembrance and fellowship in Martha’s memory. Martha’s family will receive guests, on Friday, November 28, 2025 from 4PM to 7PM at the McCarthy Funeral Homes, 36 Bank Row, Greenfield, MA. (Parking available at the rear of the funeral home or in the municipal parking lot directly behind the 2nd Congregational Church)
In memorial of Martha the family would prefer donations to either the Parkinson’s Research Foundation or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research in lieu of flowers. Expressions of remembrance and affection, maybe directed to Martha’s Tribute Wall @ www.mccarthyfuneralhomes.com McCarthy Funeral Homes of Greenfield and Turners Falls, MA, entrusted with Martha’s care and arrangements.
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