Obituary of MARTENS – Kathryn Cordelia

October 29, 1916 – July 19, 2010 Kathryn Martens of Calgary passed away on Monday, July 19, 2010 at the age of 93 years. Kathryn was residing at Intercare’s Southwood Care Centre for the past few years. She lost contact with most of her peers while there, mainly hanging up on the incoming phone calls as potential telemarketers. Calgary’s ‘Harris House’ Alberta Heritage Fund long-term residents may recall her as a daily newspaper crossword puzzle enthusiast. She missed full completion of these puzzles for the last two days before she met her demise, even after losing her eyeglasses to a Calgary Hospital Emergency visit. Kathryn made memorable vacation trips during her lifetime to Hawaii and Arizona where her sister Natalie lived. Her father Charles died when she was barely a teenager. Her mother Mamie moved everyone from a farm to nearby Brownlee, SK. Their boarding house arrangements brought in cash for nine people during hard times, mostly part-time harvesters in the fall. She worked in Moose Jaw, SK during the 1940’s as a waitress for Johnstone Dairies, and moved on to PFRA where she made canvas covered wooden warplanes with her hands. While Kathryn was working for White Lunch in Vancouver, BC she met her husband who farmed in High River, AB. When that relationship deteriorated, her sister Pauline suggested Canadian Federal employment was a good choice. She worked in Calgary’s Colonel Belcher Hospital sterilization department where she received a lifelong disability pension after an incident. Members of Kathryn’s family tree were the subject of many conversations. Her devotion was supported by turn of the century group photos of USA relations. Her mother Mamie was part of a family of seventeen siblings in the 1870’s and earlier. Kathryn started an autograph book filled to capacity by friends and relatives near Brownlee, SK where she was born. This book is very uplifting to read; it is in nephew Bert Norman’s possession, Regina, SK. Kathryn is survived by her brother Ellis’ wife Irene Moberg, and by many other nephews and nieces, including beneficiary Angus Norman. Kathryn was predeceased by parents Mamie & Charles, siblings Vera, Natalie, Marjorie, Milton, Ellis, Dorothy &, Pauline. A Graveside Service will follow at Brownlee, SK at a later date. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Kathryn Martens, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.