Celest A. Martin, Ph.D.

Celest A. Martin, Ph.D., 75, of South Kingstown, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Lakeside Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in North Kingstown. Celest was born in Trenton, New Jersey and was the daughter of the late Andrew J. and Anne C. (McMenamin) Martin. She grew up in Cherry Hill and Haddon Township, New Jersey, graduating from Camden Catholic High School in 1969. She earned a B.A. in English from Rutgers University in 1973 and went on to attend graduate school at the University of Southern California, completing a Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Composition in 1978. In 1979, Celest moved to Rhode Island to accept a full-time teaching role at the University of Rhode Island. She spent the next four decades at URI, retiring as Associate Professor in 2016. During her time at URI, Celest taught a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses across English, Writing, and Journalism, touching the lives of hundreds of students. Celest also served on the Faculty Senate, holding the role of Chair for the 2008-2009 academic year. Celest loved teaching and was known for her approachability, compassion, and mentorship. At the age of two, Celest’s son Andrew was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Following Andrew’s diagnosis, Celest became a passionate parent advocate for disabled and neurodiverse individuals and families. A vocal proponent of independence for disabled individuals, Celest championed initiatives that promoted integrated employment, community engagement, and self-direction. She was instrumental in establishing the South Kingstown Farm School, an alternative experiential learning program for students with disabilities. The Farm School became the South Kingstown Transition Academy and today helps young adults transition from high school to jobs and community life. From 2011 to 2019, she served on the Rhode Island Developmental Disabilities Council, including as Chair from 2018-2019. Under her leadership, the Council expanded community outreach and advocacy opportunities while helping advance passage of the Rhode Island Supported Decision Act, a legal alternative to guardianship. She also created and facilitated training for local police departments on safely and respectfully interacting with people with disabilities and designed a writing course at URI to introduce students to public discourse about disability. Outside of her family and career, Celest was an avid reader, creative writer, Scrabble player, and accomplished home cook who enjoyed lively conversations and spirited debates with people around her. She found immense joy in the beauty of the New England coast, never tiring of visiting the Narragansett seawall and Point Judith Lighthouse. Above all, Celest cherished time spent with her children, who will both miss her dearly. Celest is survived by her spouse of 24 years, William Preston, Ph.D., of South Kingstown, her children, Katherine “Katie” (Lamson) West, of Warwick, and Andrew Lamson, of Providence; her beloved pets ZuZu (dog) and Misty (cat), and several close friends and extended family. She is remembered for her kindness, sense of humor, and devotion to family. Relatives and friends are invited to gather for her Funeral Mass on Friday, August 7, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Wakefield, R.I., with a reception to follow. While all expressions of sympathy are welcome, Celest’s family encourages memorial donations to any of the following organizations close to her heart: Disability Rights Rhode Island, House of Hope CDC, Housing Network of Rhode Island, Rhode Island Community Food Bank, Rhode Island Developmental Disabilities Council, South Kingstown Animal Shelter, The Public’s Radio, Thundermist Health Center. Celest’s family extends their gratitude to her primary care physician, Dr. Camia Dimock at Thundermist Health Center of South County, and the many nurses, nursing assistants, and doctors at South County Hospital and Lakeside Nursing and Rehabilitation Center who cared for her during critical illness and provided compassionate end-of-life care.

Celest A. Martin, Ph.D.

June 14, 1951 - July 7, 2026