Jean Louise Martenson

On Thursday, March 14, 2024, in Calgary, Alberta Jean Louise Martenson (Metz) passed away at the age of 90 years. Jean was born on October 11, 1933 in Edmonton, Alberta as the third of four daughters to Marie Schellenberger and John (Jack) Metz. She excelled in school and attended St. Joseph’s High School in Edmonton until grade 11.

After her 1956 marriage to William (Bill) Martenson, Jean stayed home for 12 years to care for their four children. Resourceful and hardworking, she became the COO of the household as she managed the finances, baked bread, and drove a stick shift VW Beetle. She inherited the sewing skills of her seamstress mother and was able to whip up a striped, zippered t-shirt in three hours flat – a staple in the kids’ school wardrobe.

The moment the youngest child was in school, Jean’s intelligence and independent spirit compelled her to set her sights on a lifelong career in legal services. A whiz in mortgages, real estate and contracts, Jean’s work was coveted by various law firms, and she was offered full financing to pursue a law degree. However, the 1970s weren’t so accommodating for women with families, so she declined the law school opportunity while continuing to excel as a paralegal until age 70.

In retirement, Jean rediscovered her artistic talents through cross-stitch, crocheting, knitting, hardanger embroidery, pressed flower stationery, and ceramics. She continued to enjoy all things wordy: crossword puzzles, reading, and word-based board games. Widowed at 83, Jean moved to Calgary to be closer to family.

Throughout her life, Jean was regarded as well-read, politically informed, strong-willed, and unafraid to go against convention. Her dry sense of humour was her trademark, and even in her final days, she had hospital staff appreciating her quick wit and cheeky attitude.

Jean was predeceased by her husband, Bill, and three beloved cats: Pookey, Kitty and Rosie. She is lovingly remembered by her children Bernadine (Robin), David (Jay), Leah (Ron) and Doug (Elizabeth), and grandchildren Keaton, Alex, Helena, and John.

Jean’s life will be celebrated on Sunday, March 17, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at FOSTER’S GARDEN CHAPEL 3220 – 4th St. NW, Calgary, Alberta.

The Celebration of Life will also be live streamed for those who wish to attend virtually, please click in the link in service area below the obituary. Call Foster’s Garden Chapel for more information.

The family would like to thank both Peter Lougheed Centre and Foothills Medical Centre for their care during her final months, and the wonderful friends and staff at Evanston Summit who kept her spirits up. Donations to Evanston Summit, c/o Covenant Foundation at https://www.covenantfoundation.ca/, or Good Samaritan Society at https://gss.org/, are welcomed.