Mary Martin

Mary was born to Denis and Marie (Vickery) McCabe in the coastal town of Bude, Cornwall, where she resided until marrying Laurence Pethick Martin, also of Bude. A mining engineer, Laurence’s profession brought them to South Africa for several years, and then the Philippines, where they stayed over three decades. They lovingly raised a family of six children in a close-knit mining community where everyone knew and looked out for one another. In 1992 they immigrated to Canada from England and retired happily to Brentwood Bay, where they were visited by an almost constant stream of family and friends.

Mary is predeceased by her beloved husband, her daughter Jane, and brother Denis. She is survived by her devoted children Lyn (Don), Paul (Patty), Gillian (James), Kevin (Helen) and Karen (Steve). Nana will also be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren Lauren, Catherine, Graham, Hannah, Caden, Thomas and Julia and step grandchildren Kasee, Ada, Chris and Jackie. To her many nieces and nephews across the pond, Auntie Mary was cherished as one of the last remaining family members of that generation.

Mary had a prodigious memory for people, places and events and her mind remained sharp until the end. Family and friends were the centre of her world and nothing mattered more than staying connected. She looked forward to weekly calls with her children, never missed a birthday or anniversary, and had a Christmas card list a mile long. The best way we can honour her memory is to stay in touch.

The family would like to extend our gratitude to her Drs. Rene Weir and Mathew Ward; the caring team at Victoria Hospice; and steadfast friend Diana Caleb.

At Mary’s request, there will be no funeral. A celebration of life will take place at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mount Newton Center Health Equipment Loan Cupboard : mountnewtoncentre.org

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.firstmemorialsaanich.com for the Martin family.