MARTIN, Alvera May (nee: Venance) passed away peacefully at home on February 7th, 2020 at age 86. Like many Albertans of her generation, Alvera grew up on a homestead with her parents and brother near McLaughlin, Alberta. Times were difficult in the 1930’s, with the Depression and the outbreak of World War II. Families and neighbours bonded together and shared whatever they could with each other. After completing school, Alvera moved to Lloydminster where she worked at the Lloydminster Hospital. While attending local area dance parties she met a young man named Frank Martin. Frank was from nearby Vermilion and was working in nearby Kitscoty. Frank and Alvera married on August 23rd, 1957. They lived in a variety of towns over the years, including Kitscoty, Strathmore and finally St. Albert for the past 45+ years. Along the way, they raised four children.
Mom was the rock of our family, always putting her children ahead of herself. Mom treated us all as equals and gave all of us un-conditional love and support, regardless of the situation. Mom had a quiet demeanour, listening first and never judging or criticizing. Whenever you talked over a problem with Mom, you always came away feeling better. She loved a good tease and loved to tease back all in good fun. Mom was just one to go with the flow, never complaining and always up for whatever was planned. Mom loved her time with her six grandchildren and in recent years her two Great Grandchildren. Her eyes would light up at the chance to spend time with them. She was excited and eager to be welcoming a third Great Grandson in April to be born to Lexie. Mom was so much more than a babysitter to her grandchildren, she took the time to teach each of them what it meant to be a good person. That will be her legacy for generations to come.
Mom was an exceptional cook and baker. She rarely used a recipe, but somehow it would always come out perfect. Mom was famous for her home-made buns. Most would say Alvera had the best “BUNS”. This became a standing joke. If we knew Mom was making them, there was a fight at the door between us kids to make sure we secured our dozen to take home. It has become a cherished recipe, and her brownies…well nothing will ever compare. Mom was also known by family and friends to keep an impeccable home. Visitors would often remark that you would never find a speck of dust in her home.
Mom loved all kids. When our childhood friends would come over, every one of them was made to feel welcome and special. As we grew up into adults, Mom would always ask us about our childhood friends and how they were
doing.
Mom had a special place in her heart for kids that were sick, vulnerable or had special needs. Over 30 years ago, they met a young man named Martin working at the local Sobeys in St. Albert and a bond was formed. Because of this, for years Mom would insist to Dad that they would only shop at Sobeys in St. Albert. She didn’t care if there were sales at other stores, she shopped at Sobeys. Mom would insist that they always check out in “Marty’s” line, where he greeted them with a big smile and a joke while he packed their groceries. Martin would then personally take the groceries out to the car and help with loading.
Mom and Dad both enjoyed good health and loved to travel. Over the years, they travelled through Europe, Central America, New Zealand, Australia, Hawaii, mainland USA and of course their favourite destination, México. We all enjoyed many family trips and some very special memories were made. Mom enjoyed one last adventure with Dad just a few weeks ago, going to Ixtapa, Mexico for a winter break. Flights, cruises, trains, buses, they did it all with many good friends and relatives joining them.
We have all been so blessed to have this amazing family, (have had many comments over the years about how envious people are to see such love and strong family dynamics) all attributed to our amazing Parents. Mom and Dad shared undying Love until the very end and it is this love that will keep us strong.
Leaving to mourn is her husband and the Love of her life for 62 years, Frank Martin; Brother Lorne Venance (Theresa); her four children, Lorraine Robichaud (Clarence), Marlene Forberg (Dean), Barb Bouilly (Pat Mckale) and Darwin Martin (Sandy); six grandchildren, Lisa (Kyle), Brayden ,Jasmin, Kelsey, Sydney and Lexie; two great-grandchildren, Coltyn and Avery.
Pre-deceased by her parents Dave and Verla Venance, and son in law Dan Bouilly.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Stollery Children’s
Hospital, University of Alberta.
8215-112 Street Edmonton Alberta T6G 2C8
As per Alvera’s wishes Cremation has taken place and a Family Memorial will take place this summer.
Rest easy, We will hug you again…
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Alvera May Martin nee Venance 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Edmonton, Province: Alberta