MARTHA CELESTE CHASE

Martha C. Chase of Ayer, MA, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2026, following a period of declining health. She was born in Ayer, MA, on February 22, 1952, the daughter of the late Irving and Theresa Hemenway.

Martha grew up in Ayer. She attended St. Mary’s Elementary School and Ayer schools, graduating from Ayer Jr. Sr. High School in 1970. Martha was a cheerleader and in the Homecoming court. After graduation, she married her high school sweetheart, Al Chase, and they soon had two children.

She worked in many capacities, including Kleenit Dry Cleaners, Ayer Public Schools as a paraprofessional, and the once-existing North Middlesex Savings Bank.

Martha adored her family. She loved to celebrate holidays. Brody Miner was the light in her eye. Gigi would do anything for her only grandson.

Martha loved traveling to Las Vegas, where she knew her way around a black-jack table and slot machines. She loved Cape Cod, camping, sewing, and was a wiz at Scrabble games. Her favorite restaurant was Tiny’s where she enjoyed their fried clam strips and onion rings or a turkey club. She was no stranger to Bill at Devens Pizza, either! Martha could remember numbers, dates and stories. We will miss not having our own personal almanac.

She is survived by her two children, Sheri Miner (husband Steve) of Townsend, MA and Shane Chase (soulmate Stephanie Hebb) of Ayer, and one grandson, Brody Miner of Townsend, MA. She leaves one brother, Geoffrey Hemenway (wife Cheryl) of Shirley, MA. She also leaves a lifelong friend of the family, Pam Wyman. 

Martha’s former husband was the late Richard “Al” Chase, who passed away in December 2012. In addition to her parents and Alan, she was predeceased by her two brothers, David and Irving “Sonny” Hemenway.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Ayer Valley who cared for Martha these last few years.

Burial will be private. A celebration of Martha’s life will be held at the Ayer Gun and Sportsmen’s Club on October 3, 2026, at 12 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either:

Pug Rescue of New England (in honor of Max and Molly) 114 Milliston Road, PMB 190, Millis, MA 02054
https://pugrescueofnewengland.org/donate/

or 

Compassus Hospice Care
https://compassuslivingfoundation.org/give-now/