Barbara "Barb" Martens

Barb Martens, beloved wife of the late Corne Martens, passed away on June 4th at Adaptacare Cedar Creek Lodge.  She was 91.

Barb was a loving Wife, Mom, Gramma, and Great Gramma.  

Mom was born at the Galt Hospital in Lethbridge.  Her early life took a turn when her Mother (Lillian Baer) died when Mom was 9 days old.  Because her father (Herman Baer) could not take care of an infant and Mom’s older brother, Fred, by himself, Mom was lovingly adopted by her Aunt and Uncle Clara and Ray Renfrow.  Daddy Herman and Fred were always part of her life, living on a farm not far from where Mom grew up.  Herman remarried (Violet) and had 3 children and eventually moved to Chicago but visited Canada often to see Mom.

Clara, Ray and Mom moved into Coaldale from their farm north of town so that Mom could pursue her athletic endeavours through junior and senior high school. Mom was a gifted athlete, participating in track and field, and while in junior high she was asked to play for the senior high school basketball team.  Mom continued to enjoy curling, golfing and bowling throughout her life.  She also loved to watch the Blue Jays and Edmonton Oilers.

Mom and Dad met while playing in a local band called “The Happy Homesteaders”.  They were married on June 5th, 1954, and after a brief attempt at ranching outside of Pincher Creek they made Coaldale their home for the rest of their lives until Mom moved into Adaptacare.          

Mom’s professional life started at The Bank of Montreal in Coaldale.  She then went on to work at CJOC radio, and often filled in as the secretary at Kate Andrews High School after her two children were born. Mom and Dad started the Lost Wax bronze business and together they watched it flourish.  She always kept those books balanced.  

Mom will be dearly missed by her son Ray (Karen) Martens, granddaughters, Amy (David) Sameshima, and Lindsay Martens (Sebastian).  Daughter Barb (Kevin) Viergutz, granddaughter, Kim (David) Ellen and grandson Matthew (Sarah) Viergutz.

Mom was so proud of her kids and grandkids, but the biggest smiles were always for her great granddaughters, Abby, Imogen and Wren Sameshima, Leslie Ellen, Katherine Viergutz, and great grandson Robert Viergutz.

Mom will also be missed by her US family, Marliene Krogstad, Max Baer and Art (Pat) Baer. Mom had many wonderful nieces and nephews, some still with us and some gone, but all much loved.

She is preceded in death by her husband Corne, parents Herman and Lillian Baer and Ray and Clara Renfrow, brother Fred Baer, sister-in-law Netta Baer, and by her most treasured cousin John Harreld.

Mom did not want a funeral.  She wanted us to get together and remember all the good times she shared with family and friends. 

Barb and Kevin are honoured to host a come and go Celebration of Mom’s life at their home at 1003 19 Avenue, Coaldale between 2pm and 4pm on Saturday, June 17.   Mom wanted to be cremated and her ashes spread in a place of beauty.  Her family will honour that wish.

When you see a hummingbird, always think of Barb.

Mom’s family would like to thank Sharon, Ruby, and Rachel, and all the staff at Adaptacare who treated not only Mom, but the whole family with such gentleness, respect and professionalism. We would also like to thank Dr. Sam DeWalle for his wonderful care of Mom.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to The Canadian Diabetes Association would be greatly appreciated by the family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Barbara "Barb" Martens, please visit our floral store.