Obituary of Sally Martens

March 25, 1950 – Toronto, Ontario

June 1, 2023 – Calgary, Alberta

Salvatora (Sally) Nuncia Martens (March 25, 1950 - June 1, 2023) was a fiercely devoted wife and mother who peacefully passed away at the age of 73, with her loving husband, Barry and daughter, Erika at her bedside, holding hands as a family.

Sally and Barry were married in Toronto in 1970, after dating for two years. The dating years were exciting, fun and at times, delightfully risky. In 1975 with the birth of Erika, their family was complete. Sally was a mother extraordinaire. The mere mention of her daughter’s name brought about a tremendous glow both inside and out. Sally lives on through Erika.

Sally’s life was full of adventure that included moving across the country from the Toronto area to Vancouver in 1986, then to Calgary in 1990 and back to Vancouver in 2003, where she and Barry spent 14 glorious years living on their sailboat and exploring British Columbia’s west coast. In the summer of 2020, they decided to move back to Calgary to be closer to Erika and family.

Sally had a passion for traveling and had the great fortune of exploring Canada, Europe, Australia, and a number of sunny destination hot spots. Her openness and curiosity allowed her to embrace the local people and culture wherever she went.

Sally left an impact on everyone she met. Simply saying her name can put a smile on your face. Her beautiful spirit, compassion for others and ability to live everyday in happiness was inspiration to all that knew and loved her. She was kind to all and made you feel special whether you were a new friend or friend of many years. We are all better people for having Sally in our lives.

Sally will be deeply missed by her sister Mary (Sam), brothers Joe (Debbie) and Sal (Monica), brother-in-law David (Lorraine), sister-in-law Donna (Bryan) and 22 nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her adoring parents, Salvator and Rose Marie (Longo) Battaglia and her parent-in-laws, Harry and Elizabeth (Hiebert) Martens.

Sally’s celebration of life will be held on June 25, 2023, at the Mahogany Beach House (29 Masters Park SE, Calgary, AB T3M 2C1) from 2:00PM – 5:00PM. This will be an informal gathering for those who loved and cared for Sally to share stories, memories, and laughter.

In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, c/o Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 - 29 Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 4N2 Telephone: 1 (866) 412-4222.  www.albertacancer.ca/memorial.

Barry and Erika would like to express deep gratitude to the doctors, nurses and health care aids that compassionately cared for Sally.

In living memory of Sally Martens, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 4E6, Telephone: 403-203-0525.