Helen Martin

Helen Ruth Martin, aged 92, of Watrous Sk., passed away at Manitou Lodge on Sunday, March 18, 2018.

Helen was born in Watrous on September 27, 1925, to Ernest and Hilda Harrington. She was the eldest of five daughters. The family homesteaded 1.5 miles east of Renown, which is known to us today as the Bert Servis farm. Helen obtained her grade 12 in Renown and then taught school in Mornemont. On January 2, 1946 Helen married Robert Martin Jr. In 1950 they built a house and moved to the farm south of Renown. Helen enjoyed farm life, making butter, selling eggs and lending a helping hand whenever needed. She always had a garden and even after leaving the farm and moving to Watrous Helen took great pride in both her vegetable and flower gardens. For many years she made sure the United Church was supplied with fresh flower arrangements for Sunday masses or special occasions. Helen was a member of the Renown Ladies Club and upon moving to Watrous took an active role in the Watrous United Church. The Church and the UCW were very dear to her and many life-long friendships were made, specifically with the UCW Unit 6 ladies. Helen was always one to help out when needed, whether it be driving friends to doctor appointments, to the beauty salon or out for a cup of coffee. Even after Helen moved to Jubilee Court in 2014 she would drive her red Buick Caprice to the bakery or café to have a visit and a coffee with whomever was there.

Helen cherished family get-togethers and was a wonderful cook. There was always an abundance of food and sweets in her home. Up until 2011, Helen would still drive out to the family farm to deliver lunch to Garnet, Derek and Matt. This was the highlight of her day and she thoroughly enjoyed the teasing she received from the guys about the busy morning she had had making sandwiches! Helen loved company, always welcoming family and friends and had a twinkle in her eye when the grandchildren and the great-grandchildren would stop by for a visit.

Helen is survived by her children Barbara (Godfried) Schwering; Blair (Jackie) Martin and Garnet (Darlene) Martin; grandchildren Carl (Melanie) Schwering, Robert (Natalie) Schwering, Frederick (Lauren) Schwering; Spencer Martin; Lesley (Mathieu) Kelly, Derek Martin, Lindsay (Stephen) Martin; great-grandchildren Caleb and Eloise Schwering; Jennings and Copeland Kelly; Danyka and Jaslyn Martin; sisters Joyce Young, Ernestine Kearney; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Helen was predeceased by her husband Robert and sisters Dorothy Youds and Viola McKeown.

The funeral service will be held at Watrous United Church on Monday, March 26, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Karl Shin officiating. Interment will follow in Watrous Cemetery.

For online condolences, tributes or to make a donation “In Memory of Helen Martin” to Watrous United Church please visit fotheringham-mcdougall.com