JOSIE MARTIN (SCALETTA)

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JOSIE MARTIN (nee SCALETTA) On March 2, 2011, with her family holding her and after a lifetime of giving of herself, Josie Martin passed away peacefully and was joyfully embraced by God and all loved ones who have gone before her. Josie will be cherished and remembered by her husband of 60 years Bill Martin, son Art (Ardelle), daughters Ninette (Will) and Maria, grandchildren David (Isabel), Karen (Sean), Kimberly (Paul), Tyler (Gemma), Trevor, Brenlee, Holly and great-grandchildren Jonathan and Gabriella as well as nieces, nephews and friends. Born on December 3, 1924 in Termini Imerese, Sicily and having lived through the Second World War, she immigrated with her father to Canada in February 1949 where they settled in Winnipeg. Soon after, the rest of her family immigrated to join the growing Sicilian community in the city. Here, she met her future husband Bill and they were married on July 1, 1950 amid the aftermath of one of Winnipeg's most memorable floods. Mum touched the lives of all those she encountered as each formed a part of the garden she so carefully nurtured and cared for. Her talents were many as seamstress, horticulturalist, story-teller and CEO of the family household. Her family was the center of her life and nothing brought her greater joy than her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The celebration of a meal was central to Mum's being and here, she shone. The bigger, the noisier, the more animated the meal the better. Josie's faith was another dimension that she lived and shared. In addition to being one of the founders of the MB Padre Pio Prayer Group, one of her greatest experiences was her trip to the Holy Land where she walked, breathed and touched this special place. We know she is now right in the middle of an eternal, joyful and noisy feast at the Lord's table. To celebrate Mum's life, a Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, March 10 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Bernadette's Church, 820 Cottonwood Road, with Fr. Fred Olds officiating. Interment will occur at Green Acres Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to a charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent to www.greenacresmemorial.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 07, 2011