Mrs. Barbara Martens of Fort Macleod, beloved wife of the late Mr. James Martens, passed away peacefully at Fort Macleod Extendicare on Monday, March 23, 2020 at the age of 96.

 

Barbara was born at home on the family farm near Dunkirk, Saskatchewan in 1924.  She attended the Garrett School from grades one to nine and then graduated from high school at Central Collegiate Institute in Moose Jaw. After graduation Barbara obtained her business diploma. In 1943 she joined the Royal Canadian Air Force where she remained on active duty at the R.C.A.F Station Pearce, near Fort Macleod, Alberta until October 1945.

 

After the war she married Jim Martens and together they raised 3 children Sherry, Jimmy, and Laurie. Barbara and Jim lived in Lethbridge then moved to Edmonton, then Whitehorse, Yukon and finally returned to Lethbridge in 1973. The last work position she held was at Sears Catalogue Department where she worked for over 10 years.  After retiring Barbara and Jim became members of the Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization. Barbara volunteered at the LSCO Meals on Wheels for nearly 20 years. In their later years the Go Friendly Shuttle service that the LSCO provided became a lifeline for Barbara and Jim when they were no longer able to drive. Barbara always found great comfort in her faith in God and regularly attended mass at St. Basil’s Catholic Church. She was a member of C.W.L. for many years.

 

 In the spring of 2012 Barbara became a widow and lived on her own for over four years. The family would like to thank Barbara’s neighbor and guardian angel Colette Jones for her friendship, compassion and care, especially during those years.

 

As independent living became more difficult Barbara moved to Rosewood Villa, Fort Macleod in the winter of 2016. Here again she found people who expressed care and compassion. She enjoyed many musical events in the comfort of the Rosewood living room. In 2018 Barbara moved to Fort Macleod Extendicare, where she met more caring people. There she participated in many wonderful recreation activities. A special thanks to the C.W.L. for their weekly visits and to Lori Garrett Jones for being there in times of need.

 

Barbara took great pleasure in all the activities and accomplishments of her grandchildren. She always made her grandchildren feel special. Her family will remember her for her homemade soups, cabbage rolls, short bread, Christmas cake, date cake, homemade turkey dressing, jello fruit salad, the afghans she knitted and her talent in drawing. When you were at her home, she made sure you had everything you needed. After dinner tea often included Barbara’s mystic reading of tea leaves that always made everyone’s future predictions so bright and fortunate. Barbara loved to tell jokes and funny stories but laughed so hard throughout the joke that she often missed the punchline.

 

Barbara leaves to cherish her memories her son, Jim Martens of Whitehorse, Yukon; 2 daughters, Sherry (Gary) Bonham of Whitehorse, Yukon; Laurie (Peter) Lavorato of Fort Macleod, Alberta; granddaughters, Tannis and Laura Bonham of Whitehorse, Yukon; grandsons, Michael (Gabrielle) and Luc Lavorato of Fort Macleod, Alberta, as well as several dear cousins, nieces and nephews, and sisters-in-law, Helen Nicoll and Ruth Martens.

 

Barbara was predeceased by her mother and father, Delbert and Margaret Garrett, sisters and best friends Lila Swanson and Hazel White, and brothers-in-law, George Swanson and Billy White.

 

Due to the recent restrictions surrounding COVID-19, Barbara will be remembered privately by her family and friends.