Martha Washburn West, 92

Martha Washburn Hopkins West, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully Aug. 16, 2026, at the age of 92.

Martha was born in New Haven, Conn., on July 24, 1934, to Edward Hopkins and Eunice Ball Hopkins. She joined her older siblings, Edward and MaryAnne. Martha grew up between New Haven and Manchester Center, Vt., where she made many cherished childhood memories. She was especially proud of her family’s history and their ownership of The Equinox Hotel in Manchester, which continues to stand today.

Martha graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy in 1953 and went on to attend the University of North Dakota, graduating with a degree in Business in 1957. While at UND, she met her future husband, Robert S. West. The two were married March 23, 1957, beginning a devoted marriage that lasted 69 years.

Together, Martha and Robert lived in Boston, Newfoundland, Florida, and Vermont before making their way west to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, in 1969, where they made their home and raised their family.

Of all the titles Martha held throughout her life, the one she was proudest of was Mother. She devoted herself wholeheartedly to her five children and created a home filled with love, laughter, good food, family traditions, and countless memories.

Martha’s generosity and love of family extended well beyond her own home. During Robert’s time in medical school, she served as President of the Harvard Wives. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Colonial Dames, and she was a faithful member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.

Martha loved cooking, especially for her family and for holiday celebrations. Her kitchen was a place of warmth and welcome, and she happily shared her talents with others. Many Saturdays were spent teaching 4-H cooking lessons in her home, passing along skills and traditions to a new generation.

She also loved sports, particularly golf, and treasured time at the family lake house in Casco Bay. Many happy days were spent there swimming, enjoying the water, and making memories with those she loved.

Martha is survived by her beloved husband of 69 years, Robert; her children, Christopher (Natalie) West, Anna (Matthew) Lewis, Catherine (Richard) McLandress, and Sarah (Brian) Nachtigal; and her grandchildren, Naomi, Allison, Robert, Michael, Annika, Janell, Martha Ann, Benjamin, Samuel, Peter, and Paris. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Alexandria, Samantha, Kennedy, Willow, Landan, Adaline, Hunter, Parker, Lily, Joseph, and Mays, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her son, Stephen; granddaughter Nicole; and siblings Edward Hopkins and MaryAnne Seyfferet.

Martha leaves behind a legacy of devotion to family, hospitality, faith, and service. Her love will live on through the generations she nurtured and the many lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

A celebration of Martha’s life will be held Saturday, Sept. 5, at 11 a.m. at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 501 E. Wallace Ave., Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who knew and loved Martha to honor her memory by considering a charitable donation to Canopy Services (formerly Children’s Village) or Hospice of North Idaho.