Marjorie Catherine Martin was born in Lloydminster on Oct. 27, 1920. Marg and her five brothers were raised on the family farm near Kitscoty, Alta. She attended Fenham School for Grades 1 through 9. She completed her formal education by taking Grade 10 by correspondence.
Marj and her husband, Hugo, moved to Vernon, B.C. in 1939. Hugo joined the army in 1942 at which point Marj moved back to Kitscoty with her three children. She subsequently found employment as a house mother for a boys' high school dormitory.
After her husband's discharge from the army in 1945, Marj and Hugo moved to the family farm north of North Battleford. The family then moved to the city in 1950. Marj began her career as a nurse's aid in the maternity ward at Notre Dame Hospital in 1953. Many North Battleford and surrounding area babies were lovingly cared for by Marj. Her husband had started training as a psychiatric nurse at the Saskatchewan Hospital in 1946. He retired in 1977, and then retired from farming in 1985.
Marj retired from the Battlefords Union Hospital in 1985. As one looks back on her extraordinary life of volunteerism, one notes she was active in CUPE serving in local and provincial executive positions (she was also a charter member of CUPE local). In addition, she was a volunteer for the Cancer Society from 1948 to 2010 during which time she held many positions as well as sitting on the Saskatchewan Division Cancer Society Board.
Marj was a life member and served as chairperson and secretary-treasurer of the Ladies' Auxiliary, Royal Canadian Legion No. 349. She also co-ordinated the Veterans' Christmas supper. And, she sat on the boards of the Third Avenue United Church and the United Church Women. In addition, Marj held the position of Chief Ranger for the Independent order of Foresters for several terms. She also volunteered to help at the Western Development Museum for many years.
On a personal note, Marg was an avid supporter of the Battleford Beavers during the 1950s and 1960s. She loved to watch curling. And, she was a proud Saskatchewan Roughriders fan. Marj also enjoyed travelling. She made four trips to her native Scotland to visit relatives.
Marj was recognized for her outstanding record of volunteerism by being named North Battleford's Citizen of the Year for 1999.
Marj and her husband enjoyed a happy and fulfilling marriage for 43 years. Sadly, Hugo passed away in 1992. Marj and Hugo were blessed with three children - daughters Ruth and Nora, and a son, Hugh, five grandsons, two granddaughters, and two great-grandsons.
In conclusion, we are compelled to recognize the remarkable qualities of Marj. She cared for her small children while her husband was in the service. She was a charter member of the hospital union at a very difficult time. In addition, she was involved with many service and charity groups. For this we owe Marjorie Catherine Martin a debt of gratitude and a heartfelt thank you.
