Martha (McGoldrick) Ballard

100 years. A century. This coming January 9, 2026, Martha (McGoldrick) Ballard would have achieved this milestone. Sadly, she passed on December 20, 2025. Her only surviving children were with her on her last day.

Martha, the youngest of 10 children born to James and Susie McGoldrick, was born in Lynn, Massachusetts. The family had properties in Middleton and it was there she met her husband, Lloyd. After their marriage in 1949 they made their home on Riverview Drive and raised seven children.

Also known as Pat, Patty, Mom, and Ma, she was a strong woman, facing the many challenges that come with a large family in a stoic, matter-of-fact fashion. The Ballard yard was a welcoming gathering place over the years. Martha was engaging and accepting to all. Being a friend, a confidante, a referee, a jokester and—without a doubt—capable of a stern reprimand, this wife and mother was the heart of her homestead. She instilled her love of creativity in her children and encouraged the same strength and independence she herself exhibited.

The loves in her life were of the simple, natural, every-day sort. Some of her enjoyments were flower gardening, sewing, caring for her children and grandchildren, tending to family, nourishing her spirituality and challenging her intellect. She had a fierce protection of trees planted in the yard and was vehemently against cutting them down.

Books ruled her long life and though technology like Facebook or Twitter never found its way into her interests, she was not unaware or disinterested. They just didn’t fit. However, she recently wistfully wondered if an old childhood friend could be located using social media.

Surrounded by love all these years, she outlived all her siblings; her husband, Lloyd, of 69 years; and five of her seven children: Kathy, Kevin, Brian, Kent, and Sean. Her final years were spent under the loving care of her son, Brett, making it possible for her to remain in her home—as was her wish—until her final day.

  Martha is survived by her youngest son Brett Ballard, and her youngest daughter, Maureen (Ballard) Haley and her husband, Jerry Gilchrist.

  She is also survived by her late son Brian’s children: Bryan and his wife Jen with their children Ben, Gabriel, and Taylor, along with Taylor’s daughter, Maybel, and her husband Jacob; Kristian with her children, Caleb and Kayla, along with Kayla’s son Zayden; Lloyd; and Jamie with her sons Carter and Ethan.

Maureen’s children: Tara and her wife Becca with their sons RJ and Oscar; Sean with his son Sebastian; and Heather with her daughter Haley. 

Her late son Kent’s children: Austin with his son, Callum; and Kent. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Middleton food pantry. see the info Below:

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