Ella M. Martin

Peacefully at the Brantford General Hospital in her 95th year with her family by her side. Beloved wife of the late Douglas Martin (2006). Much cherished mother to the late Greg(2009) & Jean, Lyle & Sharon (2004), Ken & Joy, Paul & Betty, Warren, Duncan, the late Dennis (2003) & Kate, Elizabeth & Tom Bowland, Christine & Brian Kitchen. Much loved Gramma to 20 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Predeceased by brothers Walter, Stanley, Donald, Robert and sister Marjorie. Survived by brother Andrew MacDonald and his wife, Mary. Ella was born “a block from the ocean” in Sydney Mines, Cape Breton Island on November 9, 1920. At the age of 21, she moved to Brantford to work during the second World War. Here she met and married the love of her life, Doug Martin and they had 9 children together. She had a quick wit, a ready smile and a kind word for all. She was never happier than when she was around her family and cooking for a crowd. She set a wonderful example of the importance of commitment and family values, helping others and maintaining a positive outlook on life. Despite having 9 children of her own she still found time to volunteer for many years with children affected by Cerebral Palsy. Faithful and long time member of the Free Methodist Church and later the Church of the Nazarene. The church is where Ella found encouragement and the strength to meet the challenges she squarely faced throughout her life. Coffee Hour attendee and a passionate Echoettes bowler, she loved to be in the middle of friends, fun and conversation. In her later years, despite her failing sight and pain she pushed herself daily to keep moving because she always said it was better to “wear out than to rust out”.

Special thanks to the emergency staff at the BGH, Dr. Hadley the staff of SP6, and to the staff of Tranquility Place for all your kindness and care. Our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Jeff Manning for your compassionate care of Mom over the years.

Friends will be received at the "THORPE BROTHERS' FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL" on Thursday, December 4 from 12 – 1pm. Memorial service held in the chapel at 1pm with reception to follow. Interment at Farringdon Burial Grounds. Donations to the Cerebral Palsy foundation or World Vision would be appreciated by the family. Online Condolences can be made at www.thorpebrothersfh.com