Peter and Vivian Martin passed away peacefully in Fredericton after a happy and loving life together. Peter died on May 5 from a number of health issues and Vivian on May 12 due to a stroke. They were devoted to each other and did everything together all their lives so it isn’t surprising that they passed away within a week of each other. Peter and Vivian would have been married 73 years this June.
They leave their daughters to celebrate the rich lives they had together, Susan (Tony Little) of Fredericton and Pauline (Martin Finnerty) of Canmore, AB, as well as numerous nieces and nephews in Nova Scotia, Ontario, Alberta, Australia and England. Peter was predeceased by his brothers Derek (Australia) and Alan (Ontario). Vivian was predeceased by her brother Charlie (England), and sisters Celie Cantin (Ottawa), Olive Waller (Ottawa), and Patsy Denis (Calgary).
They were both born in Quebec City where they lived well into their 80’s, relocating to Ottawa and then to Fredericton to be closer to their daughter, Susan. They were totally devoted to their family, instilling a love of camping, downhill skiing, fly fishing, gardening and knitting in their daughters. Peter and Vivian were avid golfers and members of the Royal Quebec Golf Club and the Indian Bayou Golf Club in Florida during the winters. Vivian was very proud of having made two Holes In One golfing – one in Quebec and one in Florida! Peter worked for the RF Cream Company food brokerage company in Quebec for many years, eventually purchasing the company which he ran successfully until he sold it upon his retirement in 1991. He sang in the St. Mathews Church Choir, Le Coeur de Vieux Noel Choir, and was a member of the Quebec Garrison Club. Peter was a formidable opponent as a bridge player with the Quebec Bridge Club and with the Fiddlehead Bridge Studio in Fredericton. He kept up his bridge game regardless of where he was living – Quebec, Ottawa, Florida or Fredericton. Peter and Vivian enjoyed travel, visiting England, Australia, Fiji spending winters in Florida and driving excursions to western Canada and through the western and eastern states.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who, with such caring, helped Peter and Vivian remain in their own home until their end. A special thank you to the Extra Mural nurses, the doctors and nurses at the DECH during Peter’s and then Vivian’s last days and to the staff of Shannex’s Regent Hall for their caring and kindness. A huge thank you as well to Veterans Affairs who provided extensive support to assist with Peter’s health and daily living needs. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Veteran’s Poppy Fund or charity of your choice would be welcome.
Gloria Guitard says
Sue,
Condolences to you and your family! Gloria
Elaine Mayo says
Sue, I’m so sorry to hear of your parents passing…..
Thinking about you during this difficult time,
sending comforting thoughts!
Elaine
John and Leah Devlin says
Sue, Tony, Pauline and families we offer our sincere condolenses on the passing of Sue and Paulines’ parents. How fitting that they should leave us so close in time, wherein they lived their lives so close to each other.
Grieving their loss is natural , but you can be consoled by memories and in knowing that they now rest in peace, free of all pain and suffering.
With love,
John and Leah
Kathy Tidswell says
Sue,
Sorry to hear of the passing of your parents.
Dale Simpson had told me you had moved to BC when he called about Don Folwler’s passing.
Would love to meet up again.
Janet & Ken Nichols says
Sue, so sorry to hear of your parents passing. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Sincerely
Janet & Ken Nichols
Carolyn Green says
Sue I want to express my condolences to you on the loss of your parents. I know from your stories theirs was a life well lived and that they leave a wealth of good memories to comfort you in the months and years to come.
Sincerely
Your knitting friend
Carolyn
Joan Poirier-Theriault says
Dear Sue and family, I wish to extend my sincere condolences as you experience your parents passing. May all your treasured memories help you during this difficult time. As I read their obituary , I can just imagine the pain your mother felt when she had to say her farewell to your father. I am sorry that you had to say farewell to both your parents in such a brief period apart, but they are no longer apart. They seem to have had a great loving, active and satisfying life! You were blessed to have them as parents!
Linda Scott says
My condolences to all of you. I met your mother when I volunteered at knitting in Parkland. She was a lovely person. She had great stories to tell about her family and her life.
Marg Wood says
Sincere sympathy to Susan and Pauline on the loss of their mum and dad. I was honored to be Peters partner at the Fiddlehead Bridge Club for several years. He was indeed a fine gentleman.
ClaireBarbara Hudson Kelly says
Dear Susan and Pauline,
I wish to offer my sincere condolences on the passing of your Mother and Father. They shared an extraordinary life and love.
Claire Hudson Kelly
My husband was the oldest son of Catherine Delany and Bert Kelly of QuebecCity. I remember yourGrandparents Violet And Bert Delany as well as Mary and Bill Delany as well as Celie, Ollie, Patsy and Charles Delany. I have much family history about Quebec City if you are interested. With my sincere sympathy to you both. Claire
J D Martin says
Hello Pauline and Susan, Beautiful obituary to your Mum and Dad. Heartfelt condolences and love from Fort McMurray.
Cousin David and wife Pinky
Liz Clarke says
Sue, I am so sorry for your loss. Liz
Tannis Beardmore says
So sorry for your loss Sue.
Benoit Michaud says
Condolences from Benoit Michaud (Montreal). Ms Vivian was the only surviving sister of your aunt: the late Olive Waller, who was the previous owner of my parents’ house in Quebec City, until 1970. The house where I was raised. Feel free to contact me for historical purposes etc.(chrono365@gmail.com). Condolences to your family, again.