Margaret "Peta" Mary Martin

It is with a broken heart that I announce the passing of my darling mother and best friend Peta Martin of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Following several years of bravely facing challenging health issues, Peta passed away peacefully on April 11, 2026, at Dartmouth General Hospital.

Peta is survived by her loving children Cheryl Burgess (Lawrence) of Enfield and Robert Murphy (Carol Garneau) of Montreal, five grandchildren Stephen Burgess (Sarah Broders), Patrick Burgess (Julia Newendorf), Andrew Burgess (Cristy Peniche), Vincent Murphy (Michelle Alvarenga), and Victoria Murphy, five great grandchildren Brooks Burgess, Bennett Neundorf Burgess, Harlow Neundorf Burgess, Isabelle Burgess, Vincent Burgess, and Emile Murphy. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Born on July 2, 1935, in Chatham, New Brunswick, Peta was the youngest of eight children. Aside from her parents, Maude Skidd (nee Grennan) and John Skidd, Peta was predeceased by her first-born infant daughter Patricia Lynn Murphy, sisters Bernadine, Marie, Kathleen, Gertrude (affectionately known as Hodie), brothers Jack, Ralph and Blair and first husband/father to her children, Don Murphy.

Peta graduated from Saint Michael’s Academy and Saint Michael’s Business College in Chatham, New Brunswick and worked for the Department of Agriculture before moving to Dartmouth, Nova Scotia where she spent the rest of her life. She enjoyed work in finance before Dartmouth City Hall recruited her for the role of Executive Secretary to the Mayor. Over the course of her long and enjoyable career at Dartmouth City Hall she maintained that position and supported many subsequent Mayors. Prior to her retirement, Peta worked for the Ministers of Development in the Nova Scotia Provincial government. Over time she took courses at St. Mary’s University and volunteered for the Cancer Society and Oakwood Terrace Senior Citizens Home.

Peta loved to dance, laugh, cook, garden, entertain guests in her home, decorate and have fun. Those who knew her enjoyed her warm embrace and beautiful smile. Visiting her beautiful long-time home on James Street, Dartmouth was special to many as she always made people feel welcomed and cared for. Over the years, she enjoyed travel to her hometown Chatham New Brunswick, Montreal to visit her son Robert, his wife and her beautiful grandchildren and beyond to Maine, Florida, Bermuda and Mexico.

One of her greatest joys later in life was spending time with her loving friend and special companion Frank Barber. They adored and supported each other for over 17 years until sadly Frank passed away in 2025.

Peta is forever grateful to her sister Marie Hare’s children, her cherished nieces and nephews, who were so close to her over the years and especially kind and attentive during these final years.

Cremation has taken place and a private burial alongside close family will be held later at Saint Michael’s cemetery in Chatham New Brunswick.

A special thanks to Peta’s caregivers who lovingly cared for her in the later stages of her life, especially Rowenda Gat -Eb (Kim) who treated her like family, staff and doctors at the Dartmouth General Hospital and the QEII Health Sciences Center.

A reception will be held on Thursday, April 16 from 2-4pm at A.L. Mattatall Funeral Home, 217 Portland Street, Dartmouth, NS.