AUDREY “DRE” KAREN MARTIN-ROCHA
GARDINER, ME - Audrey “Dre” Karen Martin-Rocha, age 48, went to sleep peacefully with her loving family by her side on August 23, 2019. Her devotion to her family and her firm belief in Jehovah God supported her in her health struggle and were her sources of peace and comfort.
Audrey was born October 1, 1970, in Taunton, Massachusetts, to John and Johanna Martin, a cardiovascular perfusionist and devoted homemaker. She was raised as a Jehovah’s Witnesses in East Providence, Rhode Island. Because of her love for Jehovah and her fellow neighbor, she devoted many hours throughout her life to teaching others about what she had learned from the Bible.
Her genuine love for all people led her to a career in Human Services. She started by caring for the mentally disabled and later, as a para educator, she provided guidance and direction to troubled youth; earning their trust and respect. She was an advocate for the mistreated and misunderstood, standing for those who could not stand for themselves.
Audrey was blessed with a large and loving family. The fifth of eight children, she was the first girl and her parent’s “Little Boogaloo.” Often, friends of the family volunteered for a chance to spend time with such a kind-hearted baby who was always full of smiles. Her 10-year marriage to Benvindo Rocha provided her with the blessings of her son Stephon Rocha, father of her grandson Kingsten; and her daughter Gesela Rocha, mother of her grandchildren Ellianni, Omari, and Jiovanni.
Audrey loved music and dancing. She had a keen sense of fashion and beauty, was an avid shopper, and, when she was not doing for others, enjoyed drawing and being creative. She cherished all children, especially her nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed by many. Her kindness and generosity will not be forgotten.
Audrey is survived by her son Stephon Rocha; her daughter Gesela Rocha, her grandchildren Kingsten, Ellianni, Omari, and Jiovanni; her parents John and Johanna Martin; her brothers Homer Friedrich, John Martin and spouse Michelle, Pierre Martin and spouse Rebekah, Thomas Martin and spouse Felicia; her sisters Tanja Barner and spouse Leroy, Erika Green and spouse Bobby, and Ivy Brown; 15 nieces and nephews including Keith Friedrich, Andrew and Kobe Martin, Katrina, Thomas Jr. and Jared Martin, Jordan Martin, Leroy and Xavier Barner, Ebony Martin, Jasmine Eubanks, Gianna Martin, Naomi Green, Karena Martin and Charlotte Brown.
She was preceded in death by her grandmothers Josefa Harsch and Charlotte Brown.
A memorial service was held on Wednesday, August 28, 2019, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 8 Crosshill Road, Augusta, ME 04330.
Arrangements were in the care of Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, Maine. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website: familyfirstfuneralhomes.com