Martha Arlene Pollard

After a period of declining health, it is with sad hearts we announce the passing of our mother Martha Arlene (Hayes) Pollard. She was born August 18, 1931 and passed away April 8, 2025. She was born in Augusta, Maine to James Kenneth Hayes and Arlene Smith Hayes and spent her childhood in Hallowell. She graduated from Hall-Dale High School in 1949.

She lived a diverse and interesting life, she gave much and enjoyed much. She worked up until she was 73, enjoying the children she drove to school on the bus. She had fond memories of traveling with her family and especially her husband. She spoke fondly of people she knew throughout her life. She loved people and loved to help them. We had many people in and out of our home, shown love and hospitality. She is predeceased by her husband Frank J Pollard, her children Steven Dow, Stephanie Dow and son Michael Pollard. She is the last of her direct line, as her parents and siblings all passed away years before.

She was an excellent cook, and everyone who knew her all have fond memories of her homemade dinners. She was an artist and her hand drawn doodles were perfectly detailed.

She is survived by her sons Richard Dow, Charles Dow and Frank Pollard, her daughters Bethanie Dow, Connie Gregoire, and Debbie Owen and their spouses and children. She loves all of her children, and their spouses, and grandchildren and great grandchildren and she mentioned them often with fondness as her dementia never affected her memories of the people she loves. She leaves behind beloved friends and extended family as well.

She spent the last few years of her life in an assisted living facility in Huntersville, NC. Her care, provided by the staff of Hunter Village Assisted Living, was exceptional and she often mentioned how much she appreciated their kindness. The staff and owners of this facility treated her with devotion and generosity, much like how our mother treated others. We appreciate the staff so much and also additional care was provided by Ellen Hintzen, her friend and personal caregiver, Ellen showered her with great love and kindness. Her grandson Jeff Small and his wife Emily lived in the NC area and spent many hours helping her with technology and helped in emergencies and Additionally kindnesses were given to our mother from members the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as mom has been a member of this church since the 1960’s, particular care came from her friend Jenny Rasmussen who gave her, not only her time but the best flowers and food treats anyone could ever want. The family can’t thank them enough for their dedication to our Mom.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 11th at 6:30 pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (7032 McIlwaine Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078).