OBITUARY: Former Bedford Teacher Remembered as a Devoted Educator

A former Bedford special education teacher died unexpectedly of a heart attack last week at Manchester's Southside Middle School, where she was most recently employed.

According to her obituary, which was obtained from the Connor-Healy Funeral Home in Manchester, 52-year-old Martha Brack began her career in Bedford:

Martha M. Brack, 52, of Manchester, NH, died March 15, 2012, at Elliot Hospital, after a sudden illness.

Born in Manchester, NH on May 14, 1959, she was the daughter of Dr. John J. and Dr. Rita M. (MacDonald) Brack. She was a lifelong resident of the Queen City.

She graduated from Manchester High School Central, Class of 1978. She received an associate degree from the Thompson School of Agricultural Science at the University of New Hampshire as well as a bachelor of arts degree from New Hampshire College. She earned a master of arts degree in education from Notre Dame College. Most recently, she was completing a master of science degree in library and media science from Plymouth State University.

Early in her career, Miss Brack was a special education teacher in the Bedford School District. Afterwards, she worked in the Manchester School District at Smyth Road Elementary School and at Southside Middle School. She was a member of Saint Joseph Cathedral.

Martha was a devoted sister, friend, and educator. She worked tirelessly for the benefit of her students. She never hesitated to advocate for the children she loved. She had a special gift for working with autistic children. She was a kind-hearted person who always knew the right thing to do. She was always there when anybody needed her. She enjoyed reading and gardening. Martha will be missed for generous spirit and sense of humor by all who knew her.

Family members include six sisters, her twin, Maura Widell and her husband, Paul, and Lisa Heath and her husband, Scot, all of Manchester, Susan Woodson and her husband, Bob, of Fort Worth, TX, Joan Brack Asbury of Manchester, Lynda Brack of Eastham, MA, Anne Brack and her partner, Susan Grimm of San Francisco; a brother, Jay Brack and his wife, Chichi, of Gaithersburg, MD; her nephew and godson, Bryan Widell; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins; and her dear friend and colleague, Cathy Orfao. She was predeceased by her sister, Judith Ann Brack. She leaves her beloved boxer, Molly.

Services: Calling hours are Monday from 3 to 7 PM at the Connor-Healy Funeral Home and Cremation Cemetery, 537 Union Street, corner of Concord Street, Manchester.

The funeral will be held Tuesday with a mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 9:30AM at Saint Joseph Cathedral, Pine Street, Manchester.

Burial will take place in Saint Joseph Cemetery, Bedford, NH.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Manchester School District, Autism Program, 195 McGregor St., Suite 201, Manchester, NH 03102

Courtesy local transportation for calling hours will be provided on request by contacting Daniel Healy at 622-8223.