On the evening of July 1, 2020 at 8:17pm, Martha Ester Zacharias passed away peacefully in the loving company of her family at the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon at 70 years old. A private gathering was held in the days following with immediate family and partners. Martha is survived by her husband Walter Labun, sons Jon Vaughn and wife Zoë, Nathan and partner Tabatha, her six siblings Helene, Peter, Diane, John, Tina and Paul, their spouses, nieces and nephews, as well as her many dear friends and colleagues.
At an early age, Martha showed a great talent for reading and writing, becoming fluent in both English and Low German. She went on to earn four degrees including a PhD in Education from the University of Alberta. Working as a University instructor, Martha taught both graduate and undergraduate courses in Saskatoon, Regina, Edmonton, Luoyang (China), and Arctic Bay after making her start teaching in Elementary and Secondary School in Winnipeg, Saskatoon and Ghana, West Africa.
Martha's poetry was published in noteworthy anthologies and her essays in academic journals. Organizing many literary events and author readings, she always supported the communities and people that accepted and inspired her. She lived for adventure and travelled extensively, often conducting genealogical research. A humble, kind, deeply loving, generous, and fiercely independent woman, Martha championed human rights, spiritual autonomy, and compassionate living. She miraculously recovered from a brain aneurysm rupture in 1995, becoming a beacon of inspiration and courage.
Throughout her life journey, Martha always prioritized love and care of her family.
We will dearly miss her sense of humour and most radiant love.
Arrangements in care of Mandi Wersch at Acadia-McKague’s Funeral Centre.
Memorial donations may be made in her honour to:
Saskatoon Mothers’ Centre, Saskatoon Sexual Assault & Information Centre,
Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources (Winnipeg), Rossbrook House (Winnipeg), Women’s Health Centre Inc (Winnipeg), Ka Ni Kanichihk (Winnipeg),
Clan Mothers Healing Village (Winnipeg),
Sanctum House and YWCA Crisis Centre and Residence
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