Obituary of Martina Leona Carpenter (nee Knapman)

May 19, 1924 - Halifax, Nova Scotia
February 2, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Martina Carpenter of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 2, 2023 at the age of 98 years.

Mom was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia on May 19, 1924. She met her future husband, Ray Carpenter, when he came to Halifax during WWII, as a young sailor in the Royal Canadian Navy. They were married on May 15, 1944.

As a military family, they were stationed from coast to coast, raising their family along the way. It was a challenging life, adapting to new cities only to have to say goodbye to those friendships when another posting came along. Consequently, Martina was not one to join a lot of organizations. However, she adapted to each new community and valued the friendships that came from a military life. Mom was strong and independent, a good judge of character and a clear thinker.
 
Eventually the family settled back in Nova Scotia. Martina always enjoyed working, returning to the workforce in the 1960s. Mom loved the challenge of learning something new and continued with a variety of jobs until retirement age.  

Mom loved our annual camping vacations and good-heartedly managed to prepare meals over a campfire and a portable Coleman stove. Those road trips were a highlight and continued long after we children were grown. I wonder how many miles they traveled as they criss-crossed Canada and the northern United States by car?

Mom was not only devoted to her children, but she cared for her parents and our father’s parents as they aged. Mom visited her husband daily when he eventually entered long term care.
 
After several serious falls, at the age of 93, Mom made the decision to enter long term care. Mom loved watching the news, current affairs, history, and documentaries. Consequently, she was unstoppable at Trivia Night, knowing all the answers! Mom had a lucky streak, often winning small prizes on the lotto, and having great success at Bingo with the other residents. 

Mom enjoyed painting classes and craft projects, knitting club and happy hour (ginger ale only). She was often the first to welcome a newcomer and participated in the Residents Committee, making appropriate suggestions on menus and programming. Mom made an impact wherever she was. She was like honey to the bees, everyone wanted to be her friend and be close to her.

Martina is survived by her daughter, Susan Rose of Calgary; grandson, Robert (Emma) Rose of Calgary and their daughter, Bella; grandson, Mark (Devorah) Rose of Toronto and their children, Eliyahu, Aaliyah, Isaiah, Tehilla, Naava, Ezra, and Reuven; and her grandson, David (Inbal) Rose of Israel and their children, Uriel, Ayelet, Nittai, and Eliana. Martina is also survived by her two sons, Robert (Patricia) Carpenter of Edmonton; and Barry Carpenter of Toronto; grandson, Jeffry Carpenter of Edmonton and children, Morgan and Clara Lester; grandson, Scott Carpenter of Toronto; and granddaughter, Rena Carpenter of Kincardine, Ontario. Martina was predeceased by her husband, Ray Carpenter in 2012 and by her son-in-law, Ian Rose in 2004.

Martina was so proud of her family; her three children, six grandchildren and her fourteen great-grandchildren. What a legacy she created!  

Rest in peace mom, you are already missed beyond measure.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Friday, February 10, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow at the Calgary Jewish Centre at 1:00 p.m. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

Special thanks to AgeCare Glenmore where Martina resided for almost five years, to the many staff involved in Mom’s care, the nurses Joanna, Saundra, and Pinky and to Dr. Tran for his kindness and compassion. An extra special thank you to Charmaine and Simon from Recreation; you were true friends to mom.  

In living memory of Martina Carpenter, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.