Jean Sophia
(Johnson) Martin – 87,
Millbrook First Nation. Wikma, Jean Sophia Martin, Millbrook
(We’kwapekwitk) ekinua’taqɨtijik
Jeano’q weli npɨksɨpnaq,
tekweyaɨspnika wikmaqa ta’n
kesite’lma’tita. Nepkɨsnag
eksitpu’kek Kweltamultimk, Keptewiku’s,
te’sukunikek 26, 2021. Etlinpɨksɨpnaq
Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro, NS. O’
Sape’win Nukumijinen Sent A’n,
alasutmelsewiek. The family of Jean Sophia Martin of
Millbrook First Nation announce that Jean passed away peacefully,
surrounded by family and love, in the early morning of Friday,
November, 26, 2021, at Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro.
Jean was born in Dort’s Cove, Guysborough County, a place
dear to her heart, to Andrew and Mary (Sylliboy) Johnson. She grew up
speaking Mi’kmaw, and held her identity and language dear throughout
her life.
Along with her
parents, she was predeceased by her loving husband, Bennett Michael
“Ben” Martin; beloved grandson, Thomas Gabriel Clifford;
parents-in-law, Michael George Martin (Marian) and Mary Agnes Martin;
brothers, Stanley Johnson, Robert “Bobby” Johnson; sisters,
Mary Bridget Gloade, Lena Madeline Johnson; brothers-in-law, Gilbert
Martin, Michael “Mickey” Martin, Eddy Ellis, John Kenneth
“Kenny” Martin, Levi Gloade, Jim DeCoste, Jim Walsh;
sisters-in-law, Beatrice Martin, Theresa Francis and Doris Ellis;
Godchild, Lester Gloade.
Jean is
survived by her sisters, Annie Elizabeth Goodwin, Florence Susan
Walsh, Dorothy Mae Bohez; brothers, James Bernard “Jim”
Johnson, Lloyd Douglas Johnson; sisters-in-law, Gloria Martin, Jane
Johnson, Carol Johnson. Jean was blessed with a remarkable lifelong
bond with her brothers and sisters. She was the loving mother to her
children, Michael John Martin (Bernadette), Mary Louise Martin (the
late Gordon Hanson), Catherine Anne Martin (Frank Clifford), Paul Leo
Martin (Anne Jesse), Cynthia Elizabeth Martin (Al Bianchi), Anne Marie
Martin (James Carroll), Theresa Jean Martin, William “Billy”
Andrew Martin (Kate); grandchildren, Sean, Brian, Gillian,
Christopher, Alex, Natalie, April, Mary Anne, Annie Rose, Dennis, Rita
Marie, Brenda, Nathan, Hannah, Emily; great grandchildren, Lyrica,
North, Marshal, Macy, Emma, Maddox, Amelia, Isla, Ewan, Harrison;
great-great grandchild, Arwen; Godchildren, Timmy Martin, Jacklyn
Paul, Ralph Stevens; many beloved nieces, nephews and
cousins.
After spending
an idyllic childhood with her family at her grandmother
Sophie’s homestead in Dort’s Cove, Jean moved with
her family to Millbrook in 1943. Around that time, Ben declared she
was the most beautiful girl in Millbrook, and he hoped to marry her
someday. When he left Millbrook to begin his career in the U.S.A,
their story was only just beginning. She attended the Convent in
Meteghan, joining the Congregation des Enfants de Marie in 1951, a
time she treasured for the rest of her life. After one year at the
Convent, she returned to Millbrook to help her mother take care of the
family. At age 17, she was the first Mi’kmaw woman to work
at Sobeys in Truro.
In 1953, Ben,
now a U.S. Marine, in dress blues, flew in on a single engine plane to
marry Jean in Truro; he was famously late for the occasion, landing at
Bible Hill Flying Club. They left soon after the wedding to begin a
new life in the U.S.A., raising their family in Virginia, Florida and
Massachusetts. She was very proud of her home in Maynard, MA, where
lots of family memories were made. Jean was grateful that Ben provided
for their family, allowing her to raise the children. She did it with
class, never foregoing her lipstick and composure. Her love of
children was universal; she gave many, beyond her own, the experience
of unconditional love.
In 1980, Ben
and Jean returned to Nova Scotia to live in River John, and later back
to Millbrook. Together, and in partnership with family members, they
built and ran the Abenaki Motel and The Country Basket. She later
worked as a teacher’s aide at St. Mary’s School,
co-founded Millbrook Lunch Program, started her own catering and
decorating business for community events, and worked for
Mi’kmaw Family Healing Centre. She brought her special touch
to everything she did, and was a gentle teacher to
many.
Jean always
stood up for others; she would never be silent in the presence of
injustice. She was brave, beautiful, timeless, adventurous and
ever-patient. She loved gardening, crocheting, basket-making and
spending time with all of us. She had many cherished friendships and
will be fondly remembered. She enjoyed playing bingo and visiting the
casino with her brothers and sisters. Ben would say, Jean always won,
because “she is an angel”. She was our best friend, and
everyone who knew “Aunt Jean” had a best friend in
her.
Our sincere
thanks to the health care workers and medical team who attended to
Jean, with special thanks to Dr. Blois, Tanas, Suzette, Kayla, Sheila,
Millbrook Community and Health Centre, Patsy Paul-Martin, Jane Abram
and the Millbrook prayer group.
Arrangements
have been entrusted to Mattatall – Varner Funeral Home, 55
Young Street, Truro, where Jean’s family will
receive friends from 2-8 p.m., Friday, December 3, 2021. Mass of
Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m., Saturday, December 4,
2021, at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, Church Road, Millbrook
First Nation, Father Dariusz Miskowicz
officiating. (Please note that proof of double
vaccination and photo identification will be requested prior to entry
to the funeral home for visitation and at the church for the Mass and
masks must be worn at all times; thank you for your co-operation and
understanding.)
Spring
interment in Sacred Heart Cemetery. If so desired, donations in
Jean’s memory to St. Anne’s Pilgrimage Fund are
welcomed. Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by
viewing Jean’s obituary on-line and selecting “Send A
Condolence” at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com
Nimu’ltes Kiju,
gesalul. M’sit
Nokomaq
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Jean Sophia Johnson Martin 1934 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Truro, Province: Nova Scotia
Jean and Ben Martin and their 8 kids are Reo Road, Maynard Massachusetts legends. Lucky enough to have grown up one house down the street from them. The Hills always had the Martin’s back and vice versa. Never will take those fond memories for granted, Dan Hill his family, siblings and especially Mom Hill express our sincere condolences. Barbara Mom Hill always called Jean best Reo Road friend as they shared the challenges of raising 8 and 5 kids. Always will consider her a 2nd Mom and I am sure I am not the only one. Ben’s been waiting, rest easy, love Danny Hill.