Obituary of Martha Joan Willis

b March 9, 1927 ~ d November 11, 2023

Always cheerful

Martha Joan Willis, age 96, Calgary, Alberta died on November 11, 2023 at home surrounded by family

Martha Joan Willis was born in the village of Ellerby, North Yorkshire, England, March 9^th, 1927. Her parents were Sarah and Frederick Hart. Martha (known as Pat to her family and friends in England) lived with them and eight siblings at Southfields, Mickleby, N. Yorks. Sarah, Fred, and family ran a small farm with a large garden, hens, geese, a few cattle, and pigs – everything you need to sustain a large family. Fred was also the local “cobbler” making and repairing shoes and boots in his shop.

Martha attended Ellerby school. Towards the end and after WW2 she was in the “Land Army” working with women on large farms. She loved to tell stories about working with the big draft horses, alongside prisoners of war, and forging long friendships with the gals. She later moved near London as a nanny for a family – she loved children.

Martha met the love of her life, William (Bill) Henry Willis in 1953 at a local dance. Excited to start their new lives together, the two were married October 30, 1954, in Mickleby. Honeymooned in Scotland and lived at Red House Farm near Staithes, N. Yorkshire for a while.

Children Kathleen (John), Robin, and Jennifer (Timothy) soon followed and they all lived at Hall Farm, Westerdale, N. Yorks. Martha and Bill were very active in the community. After thirteen years, including a few difficult years on the farm, the family took a leap of faith and moved to Calgary, AB, Canada.

Martha worked until 65 for Canada Post, loving the camaraderie and making life-long friends. The neighbourhood knew her for daily walks with her little dogs, BJ, Jack, Rico & Tucker. Walking miles across Nose Hill. Later she enjoyed retirement with many trips back to Yorkshire and Australia to visit family. She loved gardening, good beer and a wee dram of whiskey, hiking in the mountains, playing cards, dominoes, her dogs, family events and grand children Emily, Colin, Harry, Tommy and Andrew; step grand children Michael Jeffrey and Sharwyn. Great grandson, Henry. Martha is survived by her sister Brenda.

Martha will always be remembered for kindness and the way she lovingly prepared family dinners (especially roast beef and Yorkshire puddings) We’ll always imagine hearing her say “See ya later alligator” or “Love you more” one more time. We couldn’t have asked for a better Mom, grandma, or great grandma and will miss her every day.

Martha was predeceased by Bill on October 17, 2003. She is also predeceased by her parents and siblings, Freda, Greta, Bill, Frank, Bertha, Lesley, Mable, and grandson Josh.

A gathering to remember Martha will be held at a later date.

Martha’s memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her. A memorial tree will be planted in her name at The Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area.

The family would like to thank AHS Home Care Palliative Care Team for their compassionate help. We are also grateful for Martha’s care and companionship for almost 4 years by her grandson, Colin Smith. He was especially attentive during her final days ….’