Martha Louise Stepp

Newburgh

Martha L. Stepp, 81, died peacefully on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at the Maine Veterans' Home in Bangor, Maine. Born in Bangor, Maine, on September 7, 1944, Martha was the youngest daughter of parents, Shirley L. MacCrae and Dorothy B. (Avery) MacCrae. 

Martha attended grammar school in Hampden, Maine, graduated from Hampden Academy (Class of 1962), followed by earning a Bachelor's Degree in Education (with a Psychology concentration) and a Master's Degree in Rural Education Development, both from the University of Maine. Martha met her husband, William R. Stepp (Bill), while he was stationed at Dow Air Force Base in Bangor, Maine. Martha married Bill in 1966 and together they began an overseas adventure at Bill's U.S. Air Force duty station at Rhein Main Air Force Base in Germany. In 1970, Martha and Bill moved to Newburgh, Maine, where they built their own home and raised their two children, Andrew and Matthew. 

Martha's professional pathway in Education was founded upon a relentlessly dedicated effort to help improve the lives of her many students. Known as a fair and just leader, Martha's humorous, kind, and creative teaching style defined her tenure working as an Elementary School teacher in S.A.D #22. Martha guided and inspired countless students, including her own children, at Newburgh Elementary School, Leroy H. Smith School, and George B. Weatherbee School. After retirement, Martha would continue to inspire through example by volunteering her talents at local Elementary Schools where she provided nurturing care and instilled early education values for her four beloved grandchildren. Martha, known as "Grammy" and "Mickey" to her grandchildren, cherished her time with friends and family and could often be found sipping tea while reading, quilting, sewing, basket weaving, knitting/crocheting, crafting, or baking delicious treats in her kitchen. As a gifted seamstress, Martha was known for her creative, colorful quilts and handmade gifts for her family and close friends. Martha will be remembered for her infectious laugh, joyful warmth, and her natural ability to inspire others while teaching the world to always be kind and creative. 

Martha is survived by her oldest son, Andrew W. Stepp and wife, Charlene (Dyer) Stepp, their daughters, Mackenzie (and fiancé, Xavier Scott), Morgan, and Ali, of Hermon, Maine; and youngest son, Matthew J. Stepp and his son, Harper, of Newburgh, Maine; niece, Dr. Jessica Treworgy and husband, Mark Favor, of Glenburn, Maine, and their son, Dimitrje Howe-Poteet; niece, Melissa MacCrae (and her daughter, Emily Bonham and Emily's husband, Jacob Bonham, of Beckville, Texas), and Melissa's husband, David Priesing, of Brewer, Maine, and many cousins. Martha was predeceased by her parents; her husband; her sister, Joyce (MacCrae) Howe and husband, Robert Howe; nephew, Michael Howe; and great-nephew, Lucas Forsing. 

Services to honor and celebrate Martha's life will take place on Friday, June 12th, 2026 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Hampden-Gilpatrick Chapel of Brookings-Smith located at 45 Western Ave., Hampden, Maine. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to remember Martha in a special way are asked to make a charitable donation to the Edythe Dyer Community Library, 269 Main Rd. N., Hampden, Maine 04444. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.