EVELYN ELIZABETH (BETTY) MARTIN (MACKAY)

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EVELYN ELIZABETH (BETTY) MARTIN (nee MACKAY) Betty Martin, formerly of Warsaw Avenue in Winnipeg, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2004 at the Pembina Place Personal Care Home. Betty was born Evelyn Elizabeth Mackay on August 5, 1917 in Vancouver. Two years later her family moved to Winnipeg when her father, Rev. John Mackay, accepted the position of Principal of Manitoba College. She attended Isbister School and Riverbend School for Girls (Balmoral Hall) and received her BA from United College in 1939. She graduated from the School of Nursing at the General Hospital in 1943, and went on complete a one year diploma course in Public Health nursing at McGill in 1946-47. Her nursing career was a defining part of her life, first in public health units around the province and then, from 1959 to 1978, in the Premature Nursery at the Womens Pavilion of the General Hospital. She remained an enthusiastic and active member of her Class of 43 Alumni, faithfully attending annual reunions with her classmates until this past year. It was while working in Flin Flon in 1947 that she met John Bennett (Jack) Martin, who was prospecting and mining at nearby Cranberry Portage after serving overseas. They were married in Winnipeg in 1948 and moved into the house on Warsaw Avenue. Many strong friendships were formed on Warsaw Avenue and Betty lived there until her health required that she move in 2003. Jack predeceased her in 1987. Betty was most of all a loving and devoted mother and grandmother and is remembered and sorely missed by her children Nancy of Victoria, BC, David and partner Liz of Toronto, Paddy (Pat) and wife Barbara of Winnipeg; and her grandchildren, Liam and Corey. Betty will also be remembered by her sisters-in-law, Sheila Lacroix (Guelph) and Ethel Mae Mackay (Long Beach, CA) and brother-in-law Michael Martin and his wife Beth (Toronto) as well as her many nieces and nephews. Everyone who knew Betty will remember her as a giving and generous person who lived her faith through kindness and charity. She was an active member of Harrow United Church and inspired many with her cheerful and optimistic outlook on life. The family wishes to extend our sincere appreciation for the outstanding care and attention shown to Betty while resident at the Pembina Place Care Home. Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 14 at Harrow United Church followed by a reception in the church and internment in the family plot at Old Kildonan Presbyterian Cemetery. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Harrow United Church or a charity of your choice in Bettys memory. THOMSON Funeral Home - 669 Broadway - 783-7211

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 14, 2004