Jeannine Martell

Jeannine Martell ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Beers & Story Funeral Home - South Hadley on Mar. 17, 2026.Jeannine Marie (Barsalou) Martell, 81, of Chicopee, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026 after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's disease. Born on February 9, 1945, in Springfield, Massachusetts, she was the beloved daughter of the late Gerard and Yvonne Barsalou.Jeannine graduated from Sacred Heart High School in 1963 and continued her education at Northampton Commercial College, earning a degree in bookkeeping in 1965. Her professional career included working at the former Facemate Corporation in Chicopee before dedicating two decades to Yankee Candle as a credit manager. Jeannine's meticulous nature and dedication to her work left a lasting impression on her colleagues.In 1965, Jeannine married Neil R. Martell, beginning a beautiful partnership that spanned more than six decades. Together, they built a life filled with love, adventure, and cherished memories. Jeannine and Neil shared a passion for travel, exploring all 50 states as well as numerous Canadian provinces and European countries. Their love of cruising took them to far-flung destinations, with their final journey together being an unforgettable trip to Australia in 2020.Family was at the heart of Jeannine's life. She retired from her career on the day her first grandchild was born so she could devote herself fully to her family. She doted on her grandsons, creating countless special moments with them that will be treasured forever. Jeannine also found joy in entertaining friends with lively gatherings at her home and attending services at St. Anne Church.She devoted her time and energy to serving others, volunteering with Junior Achievement to inspire young people with her love of the business world and at Lorraine's Soup Kitchen, where she shared warmth and compassion with those in need.Jeannine is survived by her devoted husband of 60 years, Neil R. Martell; her loving daughter Kristina Barnaby and son-in-law Paul; and her cherished grandsons Paul Thomas II and Andrew Neil Barnaby. She was predeceased by her parents Gerard and Yvonne Barsalou, her beloved son Neil J. Martell II, and her sister Annette Fellion.Jeannine's kindness, generosity, and adventurous spirit touched all who knew her. May her memory bring comfort to those who loved her. The family would like to thank Nancy Devender, CNA, and the nurses and aides at Hospice Life Care who made her final days comfortable.Calling hours will be held on June 18, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Beers & Story Funeral Home, 646 Newton Street, S. Hadley, MA. A Funeral Mass will be held on June 18, 2026, from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM at St. Anne Church, 30 College Street, Chicopee, MA. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Holyoke VNA & Hospice Life Care at 575 Beech St., Holyoke, MA 01040 or at https://www.holyokevna.org/donate/.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.