Irene Martel honored for a life of service

More photos follow.

WEBSTER - “I enjoyed every minute of it,“ said Irene Martel after she was lauded by town and state officials for her nearly 50 years of service to the Town of Webster. “We had a good town hall.”

And in her honor, the Town Hall now has an Irene A. Martel Conference Room.

Ms. Martel was officially honored on Wednesday, March 7, for her many years of service, starting as a clerk in the Assessor's Office in 1963, then as the Town Assessor from 1972 until 1984, and finally as Webster's first selectwoman from 1982 to 1990 and again from 1992 to 2010.

Webster’s first Selectwoman Irene Martel is seated, and standing (l to r)
are Town Administrator John McAuliffe and Selectmen Deb Keefe,
Mark Dowgiewicz and Don Bourque. More photos follow.

Town Administrator John McAuliffe introduced her as the Iron Lady, like Margaret Thatcher. “You could always count on her,” he said, “and she always worried about the little guy.”

Mr. McAuliffe then read a Proclamation from the US Senate signed by Senator Scott Brown, recognizing her “nearly five decades of exceptional service” to the Town.

Vice Chairman of the Board of Selectmen Donald Bourque read a citation from the Massachusetts State Senate, recognizing the new Irene Martel meeting room. State Representative Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton) read a citation from the Massachusetts House on behalf of Representative Kevin Kuros, who could not attend due to obligations at the State House.

Next, Webster selectmen gave Ms. Martel a plaque honoring her years of dedicated service to Webster. “This is heavy,” she said. “I can tell I'm getting old,” though words and actions belied her 87 years.

The final and best part of the ceremony was the unveiling of a stately portrait of Ms. Martel, painted by Oxford artist W. J. Yacino.

It was a fitting tribute to an Iron Lady.

Members of the Highway Department completely refurbished the conference room, which was the old Selectmen's meeting room. They boxed in exposed pipes, painted the walls, and laid new carpet. The room is furnished with a beautiful wood conference table and black leather chairs.

Town hall workers who orchestrated the tribute include Town Accountant Pam Regis, Tax Collector Mary Ann McGeary, Treasurer Linda Slota, Assessor Marc Becker, Town Clerk Robert Craver, and Town Administrator John McAuliffe.