Marblehead…….

Belva L. (Houghton) Maitland, born October 31, 1918, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, April 4, 2011.

She was predeceased by her husband of 70 years and daughter Jean.

She will be remembered as a kind and wonderful mother of six and was well known for her culinary skills and famously known for ice tea served in Belva's kitchen, many of Marblehead's athletes will remember. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

She leaves five children, Pete and his wife Barbara Maitland of Salem; Ken and his wife Hendi Maitland of Duxbury, Gail and her husband Matt Rader of Marblehead, Greg and his wife Sue Maitland of Salem and Robert Maitland of Marblehead. She also leaves many grandchildren, nieces and nephews with whom she loved dearly.

Both Belva and Ken had a great love for Marblehead and the ocean. They spent many a summer traveling around on their boat, "Ballerina" with all their "old buddies". She also was a past president of the Mother of Twins Club and a head cook for Marblehead High School for many years.

We as a family want to thank all of her caretakers for the love and great care they gave our mother thru out her illness. Thank you Beth, Lisa, Sue, Amanda and our lovely hospice nurse Christine.

Services for Belva will be held privately at the request of the family. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions in Belva's name to the Hospice of the North Shore and Greater Boston, 75 Sylvan St., Suite B 102 Danvers, MA 01923. Arrangements are under the direction of the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St., Salem. For online guest book or additional information please call 978-744-0497 or visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com.