Elouise “Ellie” Ann Martin, a familiar figure in northwestern Vermont known for her early work in real estate, a small arts studio and civic involvement, died July 22, 2026. She was 85.
From Morrisville beginnings to an active Vermont life
Martin was born June 1, 1941, in Morrisville, one of 13 children of Francis and Pearl Sevene. She lived in several Vermont towns during her life, including Essex, Jericho and Underhill, and made a mark in each community through business ventures and local engagement.
Her professional life began early. At 19 she entered the real estate business, a line of work she later described as a joy for helping people achieve home ownership. She went on to open the Vermont Shade Art Studio, where she taught classes and sold supplies to local artists and hobbyists.
Organizer, event planner and small-business founder
Martin later founded Vermont Grass Roots LLC, a local enterprise that organized events and hosted nationally recognized speakers in the state. The business connected civic-minded Vermonters with outside voices and offered a platform for community discussion.
Those who knew her say she combined entrepreneurial energy with a knack for bringing people together — whether through art classes, real estate transactions or public events. Her family life reflected that same willingness to build blended households and networks: she and her second husband, Glenn Howard Martin, combined families to create what the obituary calls “a beautiful ‘his, hers, and ours’ household.”
Family and community
Martin’s first marriage was to Henry George Guay; she was the mother of Steven and Janet Guay. With Glenn Martin she gained stepchildren Eric, Brian and Laurie Martin, and later welcomed a child of their own, Kriste. In all, she leaves behind six children, 15 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.
Faith and community were important to Martin. The obituary notes she loved Jesus, learning and meeting new people. She served as the chair of the Underhill Republican Party, working to promote candidates and foster bipartisan conversation on issues she cared about.
- Born: June 1, 1941, Morrisville, Vermont
- Died: July 22, 2026, age 85
- Residences: Essex, Jericho, Underhill
- Businesses: Vermont Shade Art Studio; Vermont Grass Roots LLC
- Political role: Chair, Underhill Republican Party
Service and celebration of life
The funeral service is planned for Wednesday, July 29, at 2:00 p.m. at the Mansfield Barn, 3 Irish Farm Road, Jericho. A reception and celebration of life will follow.
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Service | Wednesday, July 29, 2:00 p.m. |
| Location | Mansfield Barn, 3 Irish Farm Rd., Jericho, VT |
| Reception | Following the service |
Friends and neighbors who wish to share memories or condolences were directed to the funeral home website listed in the obituary.
What she leaves behind
Ellie Martin’s life, as recorded in the obituary, was a patchwork of family, small business ventures and civic participation. Her work in real estate and with the Vermont Shade Art Studio put her in direct contact with homeowners and artisans across the region. With Vermont Grass Roots LLC she brought speakers and events to local audiences that might not otherwise have had those opportunities.
As chair of the Underhill Republican Party she took a visible role in local politics at a time when small-town civic life remains the backbone of Vermont governance. The obituary emphasizes her commitment to encouraging conversation across the aisle — a reminder that, in the state’s small communities, party work often overlaps with neighborhood life.
Services are scheduled in Jericho on July 29. Family requests and further details were posted with the funeral home as noted in the obituary.
— Reporting by Calvin Hartwell, NEXO RADAR Vermont correspondent.
