Martha Carlow

Martha danced into this world January 11, 1930 and left us peacefully to the sound of the Caller on April 3, 2024. Born on Spring Couley Farm, Saskatchewan [Sec.34 Tp.15, Rge.7, W.3] as the 10th of 11 children, Martha spent her youth mainly in the companionship of her brothers, always showing a strength and zest for life that she was known for throughout her life. Marrying in 1949, she was the mother of four children; Marsha (Bob predeceased 2016), Donna (Bill), Michael (Anita), and Shannon. As a young Air Force family, they lived in Europe in the late 1950’s, returning to the prairies a few years later, then settling in Victoria in 1963. In 1970 there was an adventurous move to the Yukon, returning to the coast in 1974 where she could satisfy her immense love of gardening. Her home on Gladiola Ave befit that passion and visitors were sure to enjoy her infamous baking and friendly prairie drop-in anytime style.

Grandmother to Emira (Martin), Fraser, Ryan (predeceased 2021), Elizabeth (Jess), Jacob, Tallia (Alex), and great-grandmother to Lena. Martha adored babies, avidly playing with her grandchildren, and teaching them to bake, decorate cakes, or cheekily playing games whenever she had the chance, her childlike spirit was always at the forefront. Her love of gardening, sewing, knitting and crocheting was passed down through the generations, she had a strong relationship with both her children and grandchildren.

Martha loved to share her homegrown abundance, canning, freezing and baking what she had sown, never forgetting her early roots on the farm; this was how she loved you, through sharing good food. Dancing kept a skip in her step and a joy in her heart, she was honoured to be a member of the Mavericks Square Dance Club for many years where she made many dear friends. Music was something she truly loved, a ukulele player with an akin to Bluegrass and its local festivals, accordion and country music, square dance jamborees, her toe was always tapping no matter the song, music always brought a lightness and solace to her.

She loved her career at BC Ferries head office as a financial traffic analyst and was fierce in her union representative role of her coworkers. Retiring in 1995 Martha kicked up her heels in double time, dancing and gardening nearly everyday for the next 20 years.

Many local seniors were inspired by her and when asked what her secret was her unwavering pragmatic response was “get up everyday and put one foot in front of the other”. In 2014 her life changed following a serious stroke, yet she continued to embrace her generous feisty spirit in that remarkably resilient way, always fighting to improve, believing she would get better. Tenacity was her hallmark in life and she absolutely proved that right to the end.

For those who treasured Martha, a Memorial Tea Service will be held Saturday, April 20, 2024 from 1-3 pm at Heritage Acres, 7321 Lochside Drive, Saanichton. Donations in Martha’s memory to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or War Amputees are choices she would most appreciate.

“See ya when I see ya” - Martha