March 1, 1921 - March 19, 2021
Martha passed away peacefully on March 19, 2021, age 100, at Maplewood House, Abbotsford, BC.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Richard (Dick) G. Maltby in 1995, as well as all her siblings and spouses - Jack (Kaye) Brandon, Bill (Vera) Brandon and Peggy (Ed) Staber.
She is survived by her daughters Lynne Hutsul and Gail Maltby, two adored grandchildren Brie (Dean Kropfmuller) Macdonald and Brandon (Rebeka) Macdonald, and four great-grandchildren; Sawyer, Rowan, Soren and Oscar, as well being Auntie Muffin to her many nieces and nephews.
Martha was born in Humboldt, SK to John Q. and Charlotte Brandon but moved to Vancouver in 1928. She attended Simon Fraser Elementary and King Edward High School, then worked as a telephone operator for BC Tel.
In January 1943 she married Dick, who 10 months later returned to Europe with the Canadian Army until August 1945. After University, Dick returned to the Army - and being an Army Officer's wife, Martha learned how to pack - she had 44 residences throughout her life. Martha lived in Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec and Ontario in Canada and seven other countries - England, East Pakistan, Singapore, Kuwait, Algeria, Syria and Tanzania. She was always able to make each house into a home for her family.
Travelling was one of Martha's favourite pastimes - first with Dick associated with his jobs with the Military, the United Nations and CIDA. Following his death, she then travelled with Lynne and Gail on cruises all over the world. Either through yelling at the TV or in the stadium, Martha always supported 'her' BC Lions. Martha was never far from her knitting, and over her life she probably knit baby sets for hundreds of babies.
Martha was, even up to her death, known as being "feisty" and never afraid of sticking to her opinions. She had a great sense of humour and was kind to those whom she believed needed a hand. Martha was a member, along with Dick, in many church and community choirs until her hearing went. She also was a member of the Golden K Kiwanis in Abbotsford.
Martha's dementia progressed quickly and she had been in Maplewood House for 6 years where they have taken excellent care of her. We cannot commend the staff at Maplewood enough for their loving attention to Mom.
Because of COVID there will be no ceremony but a family gathering in the summer. In lieu of flowers, donations to Maplewood Care Society, 1919 Jackson St., Abbotsford, V2S 2Z8; or an organization supporting dementia research/care or charity of your choice would be appreciated.
The family would be pleased to receive your memories/messages at marthamaltby21@outlook.com. She lived a full life, one very few get to experience.
Enjoy your rest, Mom - we will miss you.