BIOGRAPHY

Bernice Martin was born in Granby, Connecticut, USA, on 7 December 1905 (claimed 6 December), to parents Charles Daniel Clark (1872–1955) and Mary Estelle Griffin (1877–1907). She had an older sister, Dorris Langdon. She lost her mother shortly after her first birthday in January 1907, after which her father remarried Annie Clement (1893–1971). They had five children: Evelyn Stenhouse (1918–1996), Marion Guerry (1918–2009), Charles Clark, Richard Clement Clark (1923–2011), and Jean M. Clark (1925–2011). Following the passing of her mother, her Aunt Anna and Uncle Thomas Clark, who were unable to have children of their own, took Martin and her older sister into their home.

At some point, she married Garland Cambridge Martin (1904–1971), and the couple had two children, Dale Cambridge Martin (1933–2005) and Diana M. Wildemann. She was a proud lifelong resident of Simsbury and found joy in serving her community in various ways. In her later years, Bernice was the oldest living member of the First Church of Christ in Simsbury and an active member of the Abigail Phelps Chapter of the DAR, the McLean Auxiliary, and the Simsbury Garden Club.

Bernice Martin passed away at McLean Home in Simsbury, on 14 January 2016, at the age of 110 years, 38 days. She was survived by her daughter Diana, as well as seven grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.

RECOGNITION

Her age was verified by Jimmy Lindberg and Eli Logan, and validated by LongeviQuest on 9 February 2025.

ATTRIBUTION

* “Bernice Martin, 104. Cherishing the Gift of Long Life” – Seasons of Farmington Valley, 2009

* Bernice Martin Obituary – Vincent Funeral Home – Simsbury

* Bernice E. Clark Martin – Find A Grave

GALLERY