Marty-Lee Seitzer Fenton was born and raised in Naugatuck, attending Rubber Ave and Salem Elementary Schools before graduating with the Naugatuck High School Class of 1960—the first to establish traditions at the newly built high school. She spent two years at the University of New Hampshire before returning home to marry her husband, Jim, with whom she shared 55 years and raised four daughters.

Over the years, Marty and Jim briefly ran a motel and restaurant in Vermont before returning to Naugatuck, where she balanced family life with work. She managed a home decorating company for 12 years and cared for 45 children as a babysitter, including her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A self-taught organist, Marty has played at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church for 53 years, also serving as Sunday School head and a board member for the New England District youth group, coordinating and chaperoning over 200 students on five National Youth Gatherings across the U.S.

In 1995, she joined the Ecumenical Food Bank of Naugatuck, becoming its leader in 2000. For the past 25 years, with the help of dedicated volunteers, she has ensured that over 300 people receive food twice a week. As a founding member of the Naugatuck Garden Club, she has served in nearly every role, including president and vice president, always committed to keeping Naugatuck beautiful. Her efforts led to the restoration of the Green Fountain and the installation of a Blue Star Memorial honoring local veterans.

Marty’s dedication to her community has been recognized with several awards, including the Exchange Club Citizen of the Year, the Franklin Johnson Citizenship Award, the Rotary Club’s Paul Harris Award, and the Naugatuck High School Alumni Award.

Her love for Naugatuck’s history began in childhood, listening to stories from the elderly couple who owned her home on Cherry Street. This passion led her to the Naugatuck Historical Society, where she has been an active member for years, serving as treasurer, board member, and docent. She remains committed to preserving and sharing the rich history of her beloved hometown.