Andrea Elaine Martin

Andrea Elaine Martin passed away on November 20, 2011 after a long struggle with Vasculitis of the central nervous

system. Andrea was taken ill in February 1999 and spent several months in Royal Columbian Hospital, before being

transferred to Peace Arch Hospital. She was eventually moved to Weatherby Residential Care Pavilion where she

spent her remaining years. Andrea came to the Lower Mainland from Waterloo, Ontario where she was born and raised. Known to be feisty and independent, Andrea always “did it her way.” She loved the outdoors and loved children. She ran a small children’s daycare in her home for several years. She was well known around White Rock and would be frequently

seen around town or at the beach. Andrea was working for Harmony Health Care Ltd. as a supervisor when she was taken ill. She remained closely connected to the company until she passed away. Staff would often visit and occasionally on sunny days, Andrea would be brought to the Harmony offi ce for the afternoon. Andrea was vivacious and full of vitality with a large slice of audacity, she lived life to the fullest. She had a strong sense of justice and was never afraid to demonstrate her

fi ery personality if she had an issue. However, in spite of her stubborn streak she ways had a ready smile, a twinkle

in her eye punctuated with infectious laughter. She always had a kind word, a strong sense of compassion and a

readiness to fi ght for the underdog. Over the past twelve years she faced her condition with the same force she had when she was well, even though her energy was diminished. We sadly watched as her health deteriorated and the fire began to fade. We loved our Andrea and without her knowing, she taught us so much about the plight of the sick and infi rm. She has now

found peace – the peace she deserves after such a long fight. We will miss her dearly. Andrea is survived by her son Justin, sister Leslie (Jim) Rolston and niece Tamara Rolston and her loving and dedicated partner Roger Turner.

We would like to thank the staff at Peace Arch Hospital, Weatherby Residential Care Pavilion, the numerous

staff of Harmony Health Care Ltd. and the many doctors throughout this journey. But fi rst and foremost, we will be

forever grateful to Roger for his love and commitment to “our Andrea.” – Leslie and Jim Rolston. A Memorial Service for Andrea will be held Saturday, December 3, 2011 at Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street S, Waterloo, ON. Interment will follow at Parkview Cemetery, Waterloo. A reception will follow the interment at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Andrea's name to Muscular Dystrophy Canada by contacting the funeral home.

Arrangements under the direction of Victory Memorial Park Funeral Centre, Surrey, BC.