Obituary of Irene Catherine MARTINI

February 27, 1925 – Berlin, Germany December 31, 2016 – Calgary, Alberta The family of Catherine Martini of Calgary are sad to announce the passing of their beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother on Saturday, December 31, 2016 at the age of 91 years. Catherine was born and grew up in Berlin, becoming fluent in German, French and English. She married Damien Martini in France in 1950. In 1952, Catherine immigrated to Canada with her young son, eventually settling with her husband in the small town of Bowness where she lived for the next forty-four years. It was there that they raised their four sons. Catherine quickly became active in the small community, teaching kindergarten classes at the new community centre and later getting elected as a trustee to the Bowness Public School Board. After Bowness joined Calgary, she continued to serve as a trustee for thirteen years on the Calgary Board of Education until 1980. Catherine was proud to have helped bring about the introduction of French immersion, and early childhood education into Calgary schools. She passed on to her children a lasting love of the outdoors, taking them on camping trips and adventures throughout western Canada. Catherine is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Nic and Margaret, Olivier, Clem and Cheryl; grandchildren, Ben, Chandra (Jon), Ian, Miranda, Naomi and Kimiko; and great-grandson Julien. Catherine was predeceased by her husband Damien; and son Benjamin. A Celebration of Catherine’s Life will be held at Unitarian Church of Calgary (1703 – 1st Street N.W.) on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Mental Health Association – Calgary Region , Suite #400, 105 – 12th Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 1A1 Telephone: (403) 297 – 1700, www.cmha.calgary.ab.ca or to a charity of donor’s choice. In living memory of Catherine Martini, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, Telephone: 403-276-2296.