Obituary of Martha Henderson

Martha Henderson of Calgary passed away peacefully at the Cedars Villa Extendicare on Sunday, May 2, 2004 at the age of 96 years. Martha will be lovingly remembered by her son Donald and daughter-in-law Molly of Calgary; two grandsons, Donald (Rita), and David (Wendy) of Toronto; and numerous nieces and nephews in British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Nova Scotia, Scotland, England, and Wales. Martha was predeceased by her husband Donald (Dan) in 1950; a brother James Douglas and sisters, Marion (May) Hunter, Jean Cowan, Helen (Nellie) Boles, Janet (Jenny) Smith, Margaret Marshall, and Elizabeth (Lizzy) Binnie. Martha was born and raised in Stenhousemuir, Stirlingshire, Scotland. Martha emigrated from Scotland to Edmonton in 1923 at the age of sixteen and quickly established a life for herself, as the city grew. She moved to Calgary in 2002 to be close to her immediate family. Martha, like all Canadian homemakers of her time, endured the hardships and uncertainties of the Great Depression followed by WW II. She faced her greatest challenge when she was widowed in 1950 at the age of forty-two. With courage and determination, she moved forward and carved out a meaningful life for herself. She was blessed with many good friends and neighbours, was generous to the charities she supported, and served as a willing volunteer and church worker. She was well known for her wonderful casseroles and Scottish Christmas shortbread, which she shared most generously. Martha was happiest playing cards with friends and family and particularly spending time with her two grandsons. A Celebration of Martha’s Life will be held at Buchanan Eastwood United Church (11905-82 Street, Edmonton, AB) on Saturday, May 8, 2004 at 4:00 P.M. with the Rev. Garth Bogart and the Rev. Donald Stein officiating. To forward condolences go to www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 1825 Park Road S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 3Y6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549 www.heartandstroke.ca.or to the Canadian Cancer Society, 215 – 12 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 1A2. Telephone: (403) 205-3966. The family would like to give a special and heartfelt thank you to the nurses and staff at the Cedars Villa Extendicare in Calgary.