MARY MARTIN

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MARY MARTIN October 19, 1920 - October 7, 2009 After a courageous 12 year battle with Lymphoma and more recently, Leukemia, Mary passed with the comfort of her loved ones by her side. Mary is predeceased by her parents, her older brother and her beloved husband of 59 years, John. She is survived by her daughters, grand-children and great-grandchildren, her younger brother and older sister. Mary was born and raised in Winnipeg on McCalman Avenue. She spent her first few days in the oven for warmth as she was a premature birth. This neighbourhood is where she met the love of her life, John. They were married in 1941 just before John was sent overseas with the R.C.A.F. We still enjoy reading the letters she shared with Dad during his tour of duty. Upon his return, they settled in East Kildonan and started their family. Dad's job took them to Brandon for a short period after which they returned to Winnipeg. Mom loved their home in Windsor Park and especially her neighbours. She resided there for 42 years. She then moved to an apartment and later, the Convalescent Home of Winnipeg. Mom was family oriented however; volunteer work was a huge part of her life. Red Cross, St. Johns Ambulance, canvassing for different causes kept her busy within her community. She received many acknowledgements for her work. Her most treasured times were spent with her grandchildren and great-grand-children. This was to be her focus in her later years. Mom was an incredibly strong and upbeat woman who survived two separate palliative one year terms. A feat rarely accomplished. Her strong will to live provided strength and hope for many. The Station Tucked away in our subconscious minds is an idyllic vision in which we see ourselves on a long journey. But uppermost is our final destination - for at a certain hour and a given day our train will finally pull into the Station with bells ringing, flags waving and bands playing. Sooner or later, however, we must realize there is no Station in this life, no one earthly place to arrive at once and for all. The journey is the joy. Only today is there light enough to love and live. So, swim more rivers, climb more mountains, kiss more babies, count more stars. Laugh more, cry less. Go barefoot more often. Eat more ice cream. Ride more merry-go-rounds. Watch more sunsets. Life must be lived as we go along. The Station will come soon enough. Robert J Hastings Special thanks are given to the staff and residents on the 4th floor of the Convalescent Home of Winnipeg who made Mom's last year her home. She came to know a loving and caring group of nurses and care givers who became her extended family. At Mom's request, cremation and a private family celebration of her life have already taken place. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Mary Martin to: CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, 675 McDermot Ave., Rm. # ON 1160, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 17, 2009