Holland (Martell), Mary Yvonne – With heavy hearts and a great loss to us, we announce Mom’s peaceful passing on April 7, 2016, with her family by her side. Born in Comeau’s Hill, Yarmouth, she was a daughter of the late Onesime and Annie (Jacquard) Martell. Mary lived in L’Ardoise, Cape Breton, and in Wedgeport, before moving to Woodside, where she lived for 30 years with her late husband, Ralph, and their children. In 1985, she moved to Barr Settlement Road, where she lived for 29 years, until her husband of 64 years passed away in 2013. She then lived with her daughter in Porters Lake until her passing.
Mary spent her life as a devoted wife and mother, doing odd jobs outside the home and babysitting other children. Mary was involved with the Ladies’ Auxiliary, church groups, and helping many people behind the scenes. She never wanted to be recognized for these things or be the centre of attention. Her open heart, love and kindness were for everyone.
Surviving are daughters, Ann, Jeannie, Annette, Darlene, Esther; son, James, nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by three brothers and one sister.
A very special thank you to Dave Hurley for his devoted care to Mom over the years, and to the medical team who cared for her. To her friends old and new; her cousin, Claire; Sister Jean; your calls and visits made such a big difference in her life and final days. To all who brought homemade goodies, flowers, holy cards, scratch tickets, trinkets, you brought a lot of enjoyment to Mom. Mary and Esther had many laughs over everyone trying to fatten Mom up. Thanks for keeping her mind occupied with reading her cards and prayer cards.
Visitation will be 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, and funeral will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, both in St. Anslem’s Catholic Church, 7037 Highway 207, West Chezzetcook, Father Gregory Agyeman officiating. A reception will follow in the church hall. Burial will be at a later date in St. Bridget’s Catholic Cemetery, 112 Mill Village Road, Shubenacadie. Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, Multiple Sclerosis Society (Atlantic Division), Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia, your local food bank or church.
Arrangements are under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit.