Doreen M. Martel

With profound sadness and deep gratitude for a life lived in the spirit of kindness, resilience, and devotion, the family of Doreen M. Martel (Souza) announces her peaceful passing on August 9, 2026. Doreen departed this world gracefully at her residence in Fort Myers, Florida, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Doreen grew up under the gentle guidance of her parents, Manuel and Wanda Souza, whose memory she cherished throughout her days. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Louis Martel in 2010, whom she shared so many cherished moments while residing in Hudson, MA and later Fort Myers, FL and her brother, Ronald K. Souza.

Doreen embarked on her journey in Cambridge were she attended local schools and was a graduate of Cambridge Rindge & Latin School. She later attended Mount Ida College in Boston, MA. In the early 1970's, both Doreen and Lou moved to Hudson, a community they cherished for many years. While her husband was a police officer in Hudson, Doreen owned and operated Country Cousins Hair Salon in Hudson for many years. In 1985 they decided to retire to Florida, building a beautiful home and relationships in Fort Myers. They both remained in touch with all their friends up north visiting as often as they could.

Throughout her life, Doreen blossomed into a woman of earnest spirit and generous heart, leaving traces of her love and wisdom with all who had the privilege of knowing her. Though her life’s story, detailing milestones and accomplishments, is best known by those closest to her, what shines brightest is the enduring legacy she leaves in the hearts and lives of her family.

Doreen’s journey was marked by deep familial devotion. She is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Denise Sowden and her husband Keith, her son, Steven Martel and his wife Gail, her grandchildren, Nickolas Sowden and his wife Crystal, Steven Martel and his wife Annie, Kristofer Martel and his wife Daiana , Leigh Antunes and her husband Luis, Keith Sowden and his wife Lisa and Amanda Rafferty.  She also leaves her 11 great grandchildren, her great-great grandson along with other relatives and close friends.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home, located at 50 Central St., Hudson, Massachusetts. A Funeral Service and celebration of Doreen's life will follow at 12:00 pm; procession will follow to Forestvale Cemetery, Broad Street, Hudson for burial.

Though her presence will be deeply missed, the enduring memories of her unwavering kindness, steady love, and wise counsel will remain an eternal beacon in the hearts of those privileged to call her family and friend. Doreen M. Martel’s legacy lives on—a quiet force for good, a wellspring of compassion, and a beloved matriarch whose life enriched all whom she encountered.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Doreen may be made to: Alzheimer's Association