Obituary: Doreen (Martens) St. Germaine, 76, Of East Haven

Doreen (Martens) St. Germaine, 76 of East Haven passed away March 31, 2025 at Yale New Haven Hospital. She was born June 19, 1948 in New Haven to Carl and Margaret (Basserman) Martens. Doreen is survived by her four loving and devoted children; Jessica St. Germaine (Todd Costner) of Niantic, Jill St. Germaine (Jeff Oshana) of Wallingford, John St. Germaine Jr. (Dina) of East Haddam and Jacqueline St. Germaine (David Tabak) of Hamden along with four grandchildren she adored; Emilie St. Germaine Noble, Ashlyn St. Germaine, Gavin St. Germaine and Skylar St. Germaine. Doreen is also survived by her four siblings; David Martens of Branford, Dennis Martens (Susan) of Bethany, Diane Kealey (Craig) of Wallingford and Debbie Carbone (Peter) of Maine.

Doreen was preceded in death by her parents, husband, John St. Germaine Sr. (2013), and sister-in-law, Carol Martens (2023).

Doreen grew up In West Haven, CT. After Graduating from West Haven High School in 1966, she went on to receive her Bachelor’s degree in education at Southern Connecticut State College. Shortly before graduating, she met her husband, John St. Germaine Sr. While attending school Doreen worked as a waitress and John was sitting at one of her tables. When Doreen went to take his order, John started flirting with her. She was flustered and kept making mistakes because she was smitten. The rest is history. Doreen loved John with all her heart and she was his everything. John and Doreen wed in 1971. Soon after they found their home and began building their family. Doreen was inspirational, kind, loving and full of joy. She always made sure everyone felt loved in her presence. She was a teacher and paraprofessional in the New Haven school system until her retirement in 2020. Doreen enjoyed being part of sculpting young minds, and her dedication to her students was not only her job, it was her mission.

She was a devoted wife, an amazing mother, a loyal friend, the best big sister, loving aunt and her biggest joy was being a grandmother. Even with the challenges life brought her way, Doreen never wavered in her compassion for others. With love and determination, she continued to support her family, friends, and community with a helping hand. Known for her strong faith and genuine love for others, Doreen’s life was guided by the principles of God’s teachings. She found abundant joy gathering with her church family at Sunday service and her weekly prayer group. Doreen also enjoyed many hobbies in the arts such as writing, painting, knitting, and singing. Doreen lived her life to her fullest even to the end. We will miss you Mom, say hi to Dad.

Family will receive friends on Sunday April 13, 2025 from 2 to 5 PM in the Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home (Clancy Funeral Home), 43 Kirkham Ave., East Haven. A Celebration of Life will be held for Doreen at a later date and announced in the near future.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Smilow Cancer Center c/o Yale New Haven Hospital Office of Development, PO Box 1849, New Haven CT 06508 in memory of Doreen St. Germaine.