Evelyn M. Martin

Evelyn was born in 1924 to the late John and Estella Derrah in Gordonsville, NB, spending her younger years on the family farm where she developed a lifelong love of animals. She began a career in teaching following her graduation from high school in Florenceville, NB.

She eventually moved to Saint John, NB, where she became a loving wife and mother, grandmother and later, a great-grandmother. She continued her career in teaching at Westfield School, enjoying 23 years with her cherished Grade 1 classes. She loved her students and was always concerned about their wellbeing. In later years, former students referred to her as their favourite teacher.

Among her many accomplishments was her attendance at the University of New Brunswick, graduating in 1974 with her Bachelor of Teaching, while still teaching full time and maintaining a home. She retired from teaching in 1987. During the celebration for her retirement at Westfield School, she was overwhelmed and surprised by the number of people present as well as all of the love, respect and gratitude bestowed on her that evening.

Evelyn was a very special lady who loved her family and ensured that her children were close-knit with each other and with extended family members. She was an amazing role model for her children and grandchildren. She was kind and empathetic, thoughtful and generous, strong and wise, understanding and supportive. She was witty and had a great sense of humour with an infectious laugh. She was sweet, young at heart, outgoing and loved meeting people wherever she went. She made an impression on people and even strangers that she had just met were drawn to her.

She was a long-time member of Lancaster United Baptist Church and was active in Vacation Bible School and The Ladies Auxiliary, where she made many lasting friendships.

Special vacations included a driving trip across Canada in her younger years, an Alaskan cruise, Europe, Walt Disney World, the Grand Canyon and a special celebration of her 80th birthday in Toronto with all of her sons and daughters.

She was a lover of animals, especially cats. She loved flowers and beautiful scenery. Going for long drives was an activity she really enjoyed. She was an avid reader, loved music and classic movies.

In 2008, she moved to Halifax, NS, where she lived in a beautiful condominium, enjoying her favourite views of the harbour. She moved to The Berkeley Retirement Home in 2012 and then to Northwood Ivany Place in 2019.

She will be dearly missed by sons Hal (Ella) Martin of Mattawa, ON and John (Geeta) Martin of Scarborough, ON, her daughter Jan (Mark) Conrod of Bedford, NS, son-in-law Fred Lawton of Saint John, NB, daughter-in-law Lynda Guglick of Etobicoke, ON, grandson Gregg (Mary) Lawton of Saint John, NB, granddaughter Rhonda Lee (David) Curran of Edmonton, AB, great-grandchildren Erin and Avery Lawton, extended family and friends.

She was predeceased by her husband Hilston (Bud) Martin, her siblings, her daughter Rhonda Lawton and her son Garth Martin.

A private service will be held at a later date with interment at Ocean View Memorial Gardens in Saint John, NB.

For those who wish, donations can be made in Evelyn’s memory to the Nova Scotia SPCA or Hope For Wildlife.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the caring staff at Northwood Ivany Place for their dedicated and compassionate care.