WELLS – Martha A. Vail, 78, of Wells, passed away on Saturday, August 1, 2026, with her beloved husband by her side.

Martha was born in Waterville on May 4, 1948, the daughter of Manley and Gertrude (Waite) Tibbetts. She graduated from the Erskine Academy in South China, and went on to receive her bachelor’s degree from University of Southern Maine in Gorham. Soon after, Martha began her career as a third-grade teacher, first at Windsor Elementary School for one year, then Wells Elementary School for four years, and finally at Kennebunk Elementary School for 25 years.

In 1968, Martha met Andy Vail, and the two wed on June 10, 1970.

Keen on spending time outdoors, Martha looked forward to her time walking the beach or camping trips to Belgrade Lakes. She and Andy traveled together to New Zealand, a trip they would always remember and often reminisce about. She was an avid reader, loved spending her time with friends and family, and especially loved her two bull dogs before their passing, Cooper and Maggie.

Martha was a long-time member of the Maine State Teachers Association.

She is survived by her husband, Andy Vail; her sons, Tadd Vail and his wife Hiroko of Japan, and Tom Vail and his wife Heather of Utah; her sisters, Marcia Coffin of Windsor, Lorie Priest of Palermo, and Susan Priest of China, Maine; and her two grandsons, Dean and Hugh Vail of Japan.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, August 7, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Hope Cemetery in Kennebunk, Maine.

To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, please visit Martha’s Book of Memories Page at http://www.bibberfuneral.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer Street, Kennebunk, ME.

Should friends and family desire, memorial donations in honor of Martha

may be made to:

the Animal Welfare Society

P.O. Box 43

West Kennebunk, ME 04094