In Memory
Viola May Martin
January 3rd, 1947 - December 10th, 2024
Viola May Martin (nee Barber) passed away at the age of 77 on Tuesday, December 10th, 2024 while in hospice care in Calgary, Alberta after one and a half years of battling cancer. Known by her middle name since she was a young girl, May was born on January 3, 1947, to Linnea and Herbert Barber in Strasbourg, Saskatchewan where she grew up on the family farm.
In the summer of 1966 at the wedding of May’s brother Howard, May met a young man by the name of Marvin Martin. A romance was kindled, and they started dating in the summer of 1967. Though they were apart for a year in ’68, they found each other once again and were married in July of 1970.
A woman of many talents, May had a wide variety of vocations. As an accomplished pianist, she guided many students through their first Royal Conservatory repertoires. In the late 80’s she became an Administrative Assistant and later stepped away from that to start a successful business with her husband Marvin. Out of that experience, she spent years mentoring, speaking, and coaching hundreds of people in the areas of business, marriage, and communication.
May led a blessed life filled with many friends and a thriving family, and is lovingly remembered by many who will cherish her memory:
Her husband of 54 years, Marvin Martin;
Children, Greg Martin, Heather Laubenstein (Scott), Colin Martin (Tawnya);
Grandchildren, June, Martin, Linnea Laubenstein;
Siblings, Douglas Barber (June), Howard Barber (Sandra), Margaret Fisher (George), John Barber (Sue).
She is predeceased by her older brother, Robert Barber (Isabel)
Services will be held at First Alliance Church (Deerfoot Location) on Friday, January 10th at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to any of the following:
FAC Care fund - www.faccalgary.com/giving ;
Wellspring - www.wellspring.ca/ways-to-give/donate ;
Strasbourg Bible Camp - www.strasbourgbiblecamp.ca/donate
Share a message or memory
Gerry /Donna Neufeld
2 weeks ago
Memories are far too many to list here but since meeting Marv and May in McDougal Chapel in 1990 our friendship has been dear. May was always the most gracious person you could meet. So patient and kind and most hospitable. In 1993 when I joined their Amway business she became a second mom to me as I had just lost my mom in a vehicle accident. As friend and mentor she with Marv were always the best and most understanding. Will always cherish this relationship and love this dear couple dearly.
Betty, Oral, Safiya Fuentes
2 weeks ago
Sending our love & hugs to our dear Uncle Marv, & cousins. I have such fond memories of Aunt May & hope we have opportunity this Spring/summer to visit with you to remember together. Know that you are all in our thoughts & prayers.
Rebecca McElhinney
2 weeks ago
It was an honor to have met May. Her warm smile filled the room, seeing Marv and May for their lab collections was a day I looked forward to each week, we would sit and chat about all things life and she would always ask about how I was and if I was staying healthy. She was so caring and generous. May gave my girls Christmas gifts last year and they were so thoughtfully put together for each of them. May she rest in peace as she continues to fill each room with the memory of her warm smile.
Lee & Helen Schablitzke
2 weeks ago
We are so thankful for all the memories. We continue to hold all the family in our prayers.
Stephen & Joan Chinnery
2 weeks ago
So many happy memories of May (and Marv) too at conventions in Oregon and Nevada and Washington state. It was a privilege to count May as one of our friends. She will be sadly missed. Love to all.
Leah Hope
3 weeks ago
I knew May as the most warm and welcoming heart . Her home was a safe and happy place that she shared with others so willingly.The “ farm “ was also such a place of warmth and welcome for the young people of Bowwood . Such happy memories were shared there . Thank you God for May and the beautiful impact she had on my life and so many others around her . My sincere condolences to Marv and the rest of the family .
Jane and Asa Leslie
3 weeks ago
Bowwood family camps at “the farm” are precious memories we hold dear. Don’t think Mae was ever without a smile. Our deepest condolences to the family and especially to you Marvin.
Stu and Gloria Clifford
3 weeks ago
Stu remembers May, as a young girl, playing Dancing Waters, so beautifully on the piano!! I had the honour of playing for the wedding of Marvin and May in Strasbourg! Such a special, amazing couple. ♥️🙏🏽
Lindsay Jamieson
3 weeks ago
I don’t have just one Memory of May specially . She was always a light of life , joy and giving heart. So many memories of time spent on the property and hanging with them and Laubenstein family.
Also till this day May Martin Peanut Butter cookies are the only ones I’ll make. ❤️
Also till this day May Martin Peanut Butter cookies are the only ones I’ll make. ❤️
Clayton & Elizabeth Lesoway
1 month ago
We are praying for you Marv and the whole family during this time. Marv and May played such a crucial role in our story, so many times of encouragement, of smiles and hugs and such incredible kindness and leadership.
We thank you Lord for Mays testimony of faithfulness and that she is with you now ❤️🙏🏻
We thank you Lord for Mays testimony of faithfulness and that she is with you now ❤️🙏🏻
Robert & Dustine Kinsella
1 month ago
Marv & Family,
We Pray for the Comfort and Wrap around Presence of The Holy Spirit to increase in your midst.
We are so thankful to have such wonderful memories of May. Times of great laughter and times of sharing that brought tears.
May reminds us of 1 Corinthians 13:13. She exuded Faithfulness as a Believer, as a wife, as a mother, and as a friend. She was always full and overflowing with Hope. May was a walking manifestation of Gods Love.
Much Love & Prayers to you all.
We Pray for the Comfort and Wrap around Presence of The Holy Spirit to increase in your midst.
We are so thankful to have such wonderful memories of May. Times of great laughter and times of sharing that brought tears.
May reminds us of 1 Corinthians 13:13. She exuded Faithfulness as a Believer, as a wife, as a mother, and as a friend. She was always full and overflowing with Hope. May was a walking manifestation of Gods Love.
Much Love & Prayers to you all.
Anne Myers Zschaechner
1 month ago
My deepest condolences Marvin Greg Heather and Colin. I am so grateful to May as she tolerated all of us “young people” descending on “the farm” and her home in Calgary as she and Marvin poured their lives into us… I attribute my spiritual journey as a teenager to their consistent love and willingness to answer any question asked… and I had an endless supply. Lots of Love Anne
Karl Peifer
1 month ago
I am so sorry for your loss, Marvin. My hearfelt condolences to you, your family, and May's many friends.
Paul & Billie Kaye Tsika
1 month ago
Through all the years that we’ve known May, we’ve never seen her when she wasn’t full of joy. A very positive loving, encouraging person to everyone in every way. She was a Christian who lived her Christian life.. We love her & like all of you we will miss her presence at all of our gatherings. We love May, and will always be thankful for her friendship.