GLORIA DORIS MARTENS (ILCHENA)

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GLORIA DORIS MARTENS (nee ILCHENA) Gloria Martens, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away at the Health Sciences Centre on Saturday, January 9, 2010. Remaining to forever cherish Gloria's memory are her husband John; son Randy (Brenda); grandchildren Christopher, Rachel and Ross; and sister Virginia Ilchena. She was predeceased by her son Ross. Gloria was born November 21, 1928 in Winnipeg and grew up on a farm near Beausejour, Manitoba. After finishing high school at 17 she became a permit teacher and taught grades 1 to 8 for one year in rural Manitoba. In 1947 she went to Normal School (Teacher's College) where she met John; they married two years later and embarked on a 60 year adventure together. They moved close to Whitemouth, Manitoba where they jointly ran a 2-room school house for 5 years. They subsequently purchased a farm near Morris, Manitoba where they resided until 1977. Gloria taught briefly in a one-room eight-grade school in the Flowery Bank School Division near Morris until starting a family. In addition to farming and caring for her family, Gloria taught art in junior high schools across the Morris-McDonald School Division and was active in the local art club. After selling the farm she and John retired to Carman, Manitoba and spent their winters near Palm Springs, California for 29 years. She was active in the ladies golf clubs, and tended her prize-winning gardens in Carman and California for many years. In compliance with Gloria's wishes no formal funeral service will be held and a private family memorial will take place at a later date. The family would like to thank the staff of the Health Sciences Centre Surgical Intensive Care Unit for their outstanding and compassionate care. Flowers are gratefully declined. If friends so desire, donations may be made in Gloria's memory to the Health Sciences Centre Foundation, MS107, 820 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3A 1R9.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 12, 2010