Martha Day

MARTHA E. DAY

BANGOR - Martha E. Day, 89, died peacefully on October 6, 2025, with her beloved husband and daughter by her side, as they had been for more than several months caring for her as her health declined.

Born Sept. 28, 1936, in Bangor, the daughter of Carl B. and Martha L. Estabrook, she was the older of two children. Her brother Carl had difficulty pronouncing her name and called her Bunny. From then on, to family and friends, that's how she was known.

Bunny grew up and attended school in Bangor, graduating from John Bapst High School in June 1954. She then worked for the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company as a supervisor at the Park Street office.

As she entered the world of work, the unexpected arrived. In September that year, Hurricane Edna hit Maine hard on the heels of Hurricane Carol, forcing Bunny and her colleagues to stay at work throughout the storm, though they found solace at the Brass Rail on Exchange Street.

The Bapst girl married her Bangor High boy, Royce J. Day, at St. John Catholic Church in Bangor on July 14, 1956. They started their long marriage together in style, as Royce squired her in a brand new 1956 Chevrolet he bought for $1,400.

The car challenged Bunny once as it stalled on her at the intersection of Cumberland and Center streets. Undeterred, she left the car, walked to an auto dealership on Cumberland, and fetched an employee to help her out. He did, and off she drove.

With marriage, Bunny became wife to Royce and mother to their daughter, AnneMarie, at home. They made the most of living in Maine, hitching a 5th wheel trailer to their three-quarter ton Ford truck and spending summer days with friends camping at Lamoine State Park, Chemo Pond in Clifton, Camden State Park, with an occasional getaway to Clearwater Beach in Florida.

In 1972 and 1973, she became a study hall monitor at Fifth Street Junior High and taught students how to read. A longtime member with Royce of the Eddington Salmon Club, she became a regular helping out at hunters' breakfasts.

Over the years, holiday feasts at AnneMarie's became the best family gatherings. There in the kitchen stood Bunny, her arms folded, a sparkle in her eyes, a timely remark on her lips, and always exuding the warmth of her love.

Bunny was predeceased by her parents; her brother Carl and his wife Yasuko Estabrooks; her brother-in-law, Clarence Day.

She is survived by her husband, Royce, and their daughter, AnneMarie (David Messer) of Bangor; granddaughter, Angella Day Messer; grandsons, Derek Messer (Brandy) of Bangor and Seth Messer; great grandchildren, Peter Messer and Austin, Taylor, and Ryan Messer; nieces, Carole Dowling Bennett (Mike), Taylor Dowling, Kristen Dowling, Ava and Logan Dowling.

The family sends its appreciation to the many people, including hospice workers, who provided kind and compassionate care to Bunny throughout her declining days.

A celebration of life will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center St., Bangor. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Good Shepherd Food Bank, PO Box 1807, Auburn, ME 04211.

Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com

As I sit in heaven 
and watch you every day 
I try to let you know 
with signs

I never went away 
I hear you when 
you're laughing 
And watch you as you sleep 
I even place my arms  around you

To calm you while 
you weep

I see you wish the 
days away

Begging to have me home 
So I try to send you signs 
So you know you 
are not alone 
Don't feel guilty 
that you have 
Life that was denied to me 
Heaven is truly beautiful 
Just you wait and see 
So live your life, 
laugh again

Enjoy yourself, be free 
Then I know with every 
breath you take 
You'll be taking one for me

By Hazel Birdsall