Martha Lenoir Brown Dixon Mason Stevens

Martha Lenoir Brown Dixon Mason Stevens

July 26, 1928 - April 19, 2016

Martha Lenoir Brown Dixon Mason Stevens died peacefully at home in Phoenix with her husband Larry, and children, Margaret, Tom and John, at her side after a year-long battle with ovarian cancer. 

Born in La Luz, New Mexico, she grew up in Albuquerque and was a long-time resident of both Santa Fe and Juneau, Alaska. “She made a difference,” describes her life.  She was a dedicated mother and wife, and pursued careers in education, counseling, and advocacy.  She shared a love of music – both playing and enjoying live performances – during her whole life and especially with Larry. 

She was a teacher in Santa Fe, developed curriculum and education programs for Northern Pueblos in New Mexico; was the Alaska State Museum Curator of Education where she developed programs for remote communities all over Alaska; worked with Larry to develop Alaska History educational software; and was a long-time guardian-ad-litem for the State of Alaska, advocating for children.  She was always looking for some way “to be useful” – beginning with starting a lending library in a small rural community in Texas and ending as the Librarian at La Siena, the retirement community where she and Larry lived and then donating her body for research.  

While living in Santa Fe, she played in the Santa Fe Symphony, volunteered her time to the Women’s Club and Girls’ Club as well as other charitable organizations, and was active in PTA.  In Juneau she played viola in and was on the Board of the Juneau Symphony, played in several chamber music groups, and was involved in many performances with the Juneau Lyric Opera and Perseverance Theatre.  In Nome, she worked at the Northwest Campus and with Native Teacher Aides in several villages.

She had an energy and love of people that reflected in all she did.  She loved and was loved by many, and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.  She is survived by husband, Larry; children Margaret Little and husband Bob, Tom Dixon and wife Mary, and John Dixon and wife Joyce; stepsons Bryon Stevens and Tom Stevens and wife Jacklyn; 13 grandchildren:  Adam, Rachel, Jessica, Scott, Kelly, Colin, William, Cori, Jackie, James, Oren, Daniel and Mara; and eight great-grandchildren: Kegan, Eva, Isaac, Lily, Bella, Kinsley, Aubrey and James.  We will all cherish the wonderful memories she left with us.  Always the one to take charge, her final words to family and friends were, “Keep smiling – no crying allowed!” 

A Memorial Service for family and La Siena friends will be held on Sunday, May 22 at 2:00 p.m.

The Nome Nugget

PO Box 610
Nome, Alaska 99762
USA

Phone: (907) 443-5235
Fax: (907) 443-5112

www.nomenugget.net

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