Obituary of Velma Leona Martens

MARTENS, Velma Leona (nee Martin)
May 25, 1933 – Maple Creek, Saskatchewan
March 31, 2022 – Calgary, Alberta

Velma Leona Martens (nee Martin), of Calgary, AB, passed away on Thursday, March 31, 2022, at the age of 88 years. She shed her earthly body on the 60th anniversary of her wedding to her beloved Peter, by whom she was predeceased.  

Velma was born in Maple Creek, SK, on May 25, 1933, with her twin Verna – she had three other siblings: Reg, Ruby, and Jim. Her family then moved to the Lashburn, SK, area where she was raised.  She later attended Christian Training Institute in Edmonton where she enjoyed singing alto in trios and choirs. Following this, she trained to be a Dental Assistant, which she then worked as in Calgary.  In 1961 her path crossed with Peter Martens when they ended up on the curling rink together. They were married on March 31, 1962, and made a home in Calgary, where they had three sons. 

She cared for her family with sacrificial love – creating a warm and comfortable home life for her husband and children. 

Velma was a charter member of Brentview Baptist Church.  It was a place where her faith was deepened, where she readily took opportunities to serve and where she developed lasting friendships. She enjoyed singing in the choir and serving in the women’s guild.  

Velma enjoyed antiques – collecting depression glass and restoring furniture. She loved cooking, baking (pies, cinnamon buns, cookies, cakes), and hosting many dinners and gatherings for family and friends.  She cherished spending casual times with Peter, her sons and their families. She enjoyed jigsaw and word puzzles. She loved vacationing with Peter including trips to BC, Eastern Canada, Alaska, southwestern USA, and Mexico.  

With her love for Jesus, positive attitude, sense of humour, and zest for life, she left a lasting impression on extended family, friends, fellow church members, as well as the staff at Cambridge Manor who provided loving care for her in her final year.

Velma is survived by her sister Verna (Harry) Unger, brother Jim (Karen) Martin, and sister-in-law Darlene Martin, her children and daughters-in-law, Kendal (Judy), Gord (Lana), Rob; grandchildren Hannah, Jacob, Reese and Emma. Velma is predeceased by her husband Peter, her parents Sam and Elsie; and siblings Ruby and Reg.    

Funeral Services will be held at Brentview Baptist Church (3512 Charleswood Drive N.W., Calgary, AB) on Monday, April 11, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. with time for those wishing to pay their respects prior to the service at 12:00 p.m. Following the service everyone is invited to a reception with the family in the church gymnasium. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mrs. Martens’ service streamed live at https://brentview.online.church/ on the day of the service. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Jesus Loves You Society of Calgary, 240 – 15th Avenue South West Calgary, Alberta     T2R 0P7, www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/jesus-loves-you-society-of-calgary/.

In living memory of Velma Martens, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.