My family and I used to see Martha quite frequently at get-togethers in Riverdale in Toronto, often for dinners or backyard barbecues. Martha would inevitably add much to any & every discussion over the years. She had a knack for understanding what was important in any conversation, and for cutting through to whatever that important idea was - always with the greatest humour and love. 

Martha's strength, passion, and warmth came through on CBC Radio when she advocated for children's rights within the school and legal system. She was a strong, compassionate voice always. 

Very sorry she's gone, and very sorry for your loss.

My sincere condolences to Martha's family and friends. The world has lost a wonderful person and the legal profession has lost a remarkable lawyer. It was an absolute pleasure to have known you and to have worked with you in Ontario's community legal clinic system. Your commitment, keen intellect, insight and very wry wit continue to inspire me. You truly made a difference and you will be remembered - thank you Martha.

I am so saddened by the news of Martha's passing. I regret that I didn't know she was ill. Martha was my highschool English and Drama teacher at Lockview Park S.S. in Port Colborne in the 70's. I owe much of who I am to Martha. This may sound funny, but she allowed me the priviledge of cleaning her house through my four years of  Highschool. She trusted me with a key to her house, I looked after her cat Dylan, and was lucky to have been invited to help prepare and tend to her dinner parties where she hosted many of my own teachers!  She shaped my interest in musical theatre, directing many a musical, bringing the outside world to our small town. On her many trips to NYC, she always remembered me with the latest soundtrack of musicals she had seen. Once back in Toronto, after deciding to embark upon a new career in Law, she took me into her home after I called her out of the blue from Quebec City. I had quit school, she took me and a friend in as tenants, no questions asked. In my adult years, we remained friends. I am sorrowful. There was so much more to share. Martha taught me "much!" I am missing her already. Duff and Jamie, although we have never met, I have known you well through the many stories I have heard about you so many years ago. My deepest condolences to you and your family. Should there be a celebration of life, I would very much like to attend. Sincerely and from my heart, Laurie Tennant (Punyi)

A wise and supportive woman in YRDSB. Kids were always number one with her. We chatted often about movies and children's books

Martha, was a fantastic friend, "Motherly" one might say, a great defender of young-peoples rights and cared a lot for many, many others throughout her career. Having served with her as a board member at two organizations for almost 20yrs, I can tell you she was committed to justice and fairness, even against any odds. I/we will miss her presence dearly.

I'll miss you're funny and boisterous personality and of course, your knitting at every meeting. R.I.P. friend.

Please do let me know when and where the celebration of Martha's life is to take place as I would very much like to attend. May your family be spared further sorrow.

I was saddened to hear of Martha's passing. I was a fellow Executive Director of a community legal clinic and I spent many a meeting sitting with Martha, talking as she knit. Always a good, interesting conversation. She will be missed.

Martha was pure sweetness and light.

Among Martha's endearing qualities was her tendency to make other lawyers look good without seeking credit herself. I had approached Martha about a particularly vexing expulsion appeal, where I was scheduled to appear before the Board of Trustees within days and had yet to develop a theory of the case. During our conversation, Martha pointed out a series of fatal errors made by the School Board. Days later, I appeared before the trustees, who set aside the expulsion in a matter of minutes. The young boy was allowed to return to school and he continues to prosper. This is just the most memorable of many examples; I wasn't the only lawyer who benefited from Martha's wisdom and coaching.

On the day our second daughter was born, Martha had traveled from Toronto to make a presentation to our Board of Directors about why advocating for children is important. I missed that meeting because I was in the hospital with our newborn. But when I arrived at the legal clinic later that day, I found a pair of socks that Martha had knitted for our daughter while making her Board presentation.

Our condolences Duff and Joanne.
Thinking of you during this difficult time. Deirdre remembers Martha as an amazing advocate for children.  She contributed so much to the Community Legal Clinic system.

Martha changed my legal career by having me appointed as her successor as chairperson of the continuing education committee at the Ontario Bar Association.  I then spent the rest of the summer preparing to fill this position, with the conflicted knowledge that she was (1) irreplaceable and (2) the person who would help me most fulfil her former duties.  When Martha spoke, she emphasized the 'passion' in 'compassion', and yet never lost sight of the real world in which we all live for a fleeting time.  Even though she will be best remembered as a tremendous public law lawyer and advocate of children's rights, I will remember her best as a teacher.  My deepest sympathies to Martha's family and friends.

My sympathy to Martha's family.  Martha was a great help to me in 2011 when my brother and her good friend, Jamie was ill and passed away from cancer. Both with so much to offer and taken too soon. I will always remember her care and consideration.

Martha would go anywhere to speak on children's rights. She agreed to come north with me to Red Lake and we ended up hung up on a snowbank as we were entering an ice road (she had never been on one so we made an quick, but unfortunate detour). A pulp truck had to pull us out. She was gleeful about our misadventure. I admired that attitude that she so often exhibited.

I met Martha at one of my first Ontario Bar Association functions many years ago when I was a young lawyer.  I was impressed by her wit, intellect and the skillful and thought-provoking way she could present her positions.  We had a long conversation and I walked away with a friend.  I recall her knitting during meetings, and marvelling at her ability to multitask.  She was a force of nature and so kind.  I am very saddened at her passing and offer my sincerest condolences to her family, and all those who had the pleasure to know this remarkable woman.

My deepest sympathy to Duff and family on the loss of a sister.

I had the pleasure of working with Martha during her time at the York Region School Board .  I followed Martha as she successfully  argued our case for Provincial Education Development Charges . She was an extremely effective lawyer plus a wonderful , kind and generous person.  I was disappointed when she left YRDSB and I missed her greatly.  My condolences to family members .

Martha was a force of nature - affable, fierce, and admirable.  I was always in awe of her intellect, her humour, and her unwavering and loving dedication to seeking justice for all, especially at-risk youth who are not always so lovable.  I never left an encounter indifferent or without questioning my own values.  She will be missed!

Thank-you Martha for being in our lives, thank-you for that beautiful summer day on your patio drinking champagne in those beautiful flutes!!! May you rest in peace, in health and in eternal love... Warmly and with love,
xo

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Ms. Martha Mitchell MacKinnon

31 août 1948 – 8 janvier 2016

Rosar-Morrison Funeral Home & Chapel

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