Martha cherished memories of her schoolhouse. She was part of the first graduating class of Eden High School, St. Catharines, Ont., in 1948. She grew up working on the family fruit farm. Isaiah 53:6 opened her eyes to salvation, beginning her commitment to Mennonite congregations. Martha’s desire to become a teacher was realized when she completed Hamilton (Ont.) normal school. She later earned a BA from Wilfred Laurier University. She spent 16 years of her teaching career as a special education teacher. She took delight in teaching hymns and Bible stories. Martha cared for the wellbeing of her many nieces and nephews and their children, and was caregiver for her aging parents and her older sister Tina. Her retirement was spent in service to Calvary Christian School, the MCC Benefit Shop, Camp Crossroads and community organizations, earning Martha and Tina a Volunteer Recognition Award from the City of St. Catharines in 2007.
