We gather here to share our stories, to remember with joy, sadness, and gratitude the presence of a woman who was so easy to love. Though we mourn her death, we move forward through this grief in faith assured that she is enjoying the fullness of life that is her gift of living love while with us.
Grandma Martineau remembers...
Donna was more than a daughter-in-law to me. She was like my younger sister, very thoughtful as she always gave me a helping hand in many ways. She was like a very close friend. She took me to a curling event in Medicine Hat and really looked after me which I enjoyed very much. She never missed a family event. She was the best one to make Tante Marie cookies and Brownies. Donna always appreciated whatever I made for her or her family. I never heard her complain about what she got for a gift. She thanked me many times for her husband Joe. She said she could never have found a better one.
I loved her very much, I will remember her and miss her for the rest of my life.
Grandpa Martineau remembers...
Donna was my daughter-in-law, but she was more than that to me - more like a daughter and a friend. Joe and I ran a service business and we were always on call day or night. I never heard Donna complain about Joe's hours - that is the kind of a lady she was.
Jessica remembers....
Aunt Donna was never the loudest, or the first one to talk (however I don’t give very many people that opportunity!) But she was always present, calm and the first one to listen. She would let me talk and talk and never seemed to lose interest. I always admired how family oriented she was, never missed an event and I have heard great things about the Sunday suppers she put on! I always saw her as such a strong person with a very caring heart. Donna is one of those people everyone gets along with and you have nothing but good things to say about her. I'll always remember walking into grandma and grandpas house and now my moms place and boom there's her and Joe every time, always there visiting and checking in on grandma and grandpa. My heart aches, I will never forget her and her warm welcoming personality. She will truly be missed and I will forever have a space in my heart where her love lives on.
( Upon further reflection, Jessica added: As I talk to friends and family about aunt Donna I find myself saying a lot "she didn't just marry into this family, she was always apart of it" and with hearing all the great memories going around you can see how true that statement is. Rob was saying the other day it'll be hard not having her around as it seems every time we went to my mom's house they were there visiting grandma and grandpa and her mom! They were there to greet you at every event and they were always still there to say goodbye when you left. It's been great hearing everyone's stories and memories, she sure made an impact on a lot of people and lived life to the fullest!)
Ray remembers...
One memory I have of Donna is the first day I met her. I was around 10 years old. Joe was coaching the ball team I was on and we had a game in Assiniboia. Joe was driving his blue car with 4 of us ball players. On the way to Assiniboia we had to stop and pick up his girl friend (Donna) from her parents house on the farm. We got there and we had to wait a little while and then us 4 ball players realized one of us had to sit beside Donna in the front seat- and I somehow was the chosen one. She comes out and of course was sitting beside Joe with me hugging the door. I remember she had perfume on because that is all us ball players could smell. Anyways, we get on the road and now as we are running a little late Joe takes the back roads to Assiniboia and we were (in at least my mind) making air on the rolling hills as he was really moving. Myself, who gets motion sickness and then with the smell of the perfume and having to sit beside this girl, I was very green by the time we got to Assiniboia. It's my first memory of Donna.
(Mariette addition: I remember that car coming back from Wood Mountain Bible camp after Joe went there one summer evening to see Donna who was a counselor at the camp I believe. The car was wildly painted with flowers and such, it was disappointing to see that it was just water colours that washed off...)
Leon, Val, Darrian, and Jacey remember...
We have a lot of special memories but here are some...
Darian and Val both feel that Donna was very welcoming and made them feel at ease from day one as if they had known her all her life. Val also admired Donna' s ability to soothe or comfort babies and small children. We remember once when Jacey was a baby and Donna was holding her and Jacey started talking (or nattering in baby lingo) as if she was telling Donna all her problems. Donna listened as if she was understanding every word she said.
Jacey remembers sitting on Donna's lap while Donna read her book after book. If I am remembering correctly it was four or five books and a comment I got from Jacey was the stories were different than when I read them. Probably because Donna read all the words and didn't skip to get done faster.
Personally I Leon have lots of memories. The ones that stand out the most was her love for softball and curling. Donna was a competitive ball player giving everything she had every time she was out there. She did have trouble pitching once in a while and every couple of games she would pitch one over the backstop but she loved the game and had fun playing it.
Donna was a very nice person and was always willing to help. She was a welcome addition to the Martineau family, always willing to join and support any family function. Whether it was making her potato salad, babysitting others children, sitting through graduations or just putting up with the large number of in laws she married into. She was a great mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.
Mariette remembers....
The word "enough" seems strange to use in this context, but it is the word that is moving through my grief as I say good bye to Donna and move forward in empathy with Joe and the kids. When I think of Donna I think “enough”. Whatever she had whomever she was with, was enough.
When the snowstorm whipped through on her wedding day having those who could get there was “enough”. As babies were born and some mourned, her love of family and Joe was “enough”. The success and joy of her children was “enough” for her. Small town life was “enough” for her, so was moving to the Hat. I think it was “enough” because whatever the world gave her probably would have been. That was always the sense I got from her. I felt “enough” when I was around her, I felt accepted as I was, I felt she genuinely cared about me and my family. We were “enough” just the way we were. A gentle smile, a listening ear, was the generous “enough” she gave us. Her faith was simple and "enough" for her.
When we showed up tired and weary at my parents’ 60th Anniversary because we had just buried Dean’s dad she was of the first to let us know how truly sorry she was and asked how we were doing. I think it was at that gathering that she told me my grey hair was "enough" - I wore it well!
I feel like she has always been in our lives, she married Joe when I was 13 and she was around. She was in figure skating for a while with me, at the senior hockey games, at the curling rink, and lucky for us at family celebrations. She was often on the opposite team for ladies’ fastball and her pitches were beyond “enough” for me. I felt successful if I managed to stay at the plate and get a few swings in and also on rougher days not get hit! It was even “enough” for her to live in the terrifying pink funeral director’s house by the funeral home. The only place I would never let myself fall asleep when babysitting Joleine.
We were blessed to be in her presence at Christmas this year in Moose Jaw, and I loved how she seemed as proud of my kids as I am. They destroyed her Tante Maries within minutes of arrival and they always just enjoyed sitting around with her and hearing stories of the grandkids she loved so much. She was always genuinely interested in how we were doing, always. I loved listening to her speak of the great Christmas day she and Joe had spent with Wilma and Verlyn and Larry - laughter, cards, food, and she said, "perhaps a little too much wine." She and Joe always made sure their parents were well taken care of.
I looked forward to the Friday night posts and pictures of her and Joe arriving at their “camp” which was “enough” of paradise for her. I looked forward to pictures and comments of what her grand kids were up to. I deeply respected her for bringing her brood together once a week and for building relationships with her in laws.
There will always be a part of my heart that won’t be quite “enough” because she’s not here, but I know that only means it will be complete again when like her (I hope!) I will be blessed with life to the full and can enjoy her presence once more.
Tara remembers...
Thank you Auntie Mare for putting together this beautiful website. What a great way to remember a truly loving, caring, happy, and classy woman. I am so far away but feel connected to you all through through this opportunity to share my memories and read yours which helps provide comfort in this tough time. You are all in my thoughts and in my heart. Love you all.
I lived in the same city as Joe, Donna, and their children for 7 years and every time I saw Auntie Donna whether it was in Medicine Hat or at a Martineau get together she always said the same thing to me as we were saying goodbye, "Supper is on Sunday and you are always welcome to join us, no need to call just show up!". This offer that was always extended is and always will be a reminder for me of her and how truly caring, loving, and thoughtful she was.
Grandma Martineau remembers...
Donna was more than a daughter-in-law to me. She was like my younger sister, very thoughtful as she always gave me a helping hand in many ways. She was like a very close friend. She took me to a curling event in Medicine Hat and really looked after me which I enjoyed very much. She never missed a family event. She was the best one to make Tante Marie cookies and Brownies. Donna always appreciated whatever I made for her or her family. I never heard her complain about what she got for a gift. She thanked me many times for her husband Joe. She said she could never have found a better one.
I loved her very much, I will remember her and miss her for the rest of my life.
Grandpa Martineau remembers...
Donna was my daughter-in-law, but she was more than that to me - more like a daughter and a friend. Joe and I ran a service business and we were always on call day or night. I never heard Donna complain about Joe's hours - that is the kind of a lady she was.
Jessica remembers....
Aunt Donna was never the loudest, or the first one to talk (however I don’t give very many people that opportunity!) But she was always present, calm and the first one to listen. She would let me talk and talk and never seemed to lose interest. I always admired how family oriented she was, never missed an event and I have heard great things about the Sunday suppers she put on! I always saw her as such a strong person with a very caring heart. Donna is one of those people everyone gets along with and you have nothing but good things to say about her. I'll always remember walking into grandma and grandpas house and now my moms place and boom there's her and Joe every time, always there visiting and checking in on grandma and grandpa. My heart aches, I will never forget her and her warm welcoming personality. She will truly be missed and I will forever have a space in my heart where her love lives on.
( Upon further reflection, Jessica added: As I talk to friends and family about aunt Donna I find myself saying a lot "she didn't just marry into this family, she was always apart of it" and with hearing all the great memories going around you can see how true that statement is. Rob was saying the other day it'll be hard not having her around as it seems every time we went to my mom's house they were there visiting grandma and grandpa and her mom! They were there to greet you at every event and they were always still there to say goodbye when you left. It's been great hearing everyone's stories and memories, she sure made an impact on a lot of people and lived life to the fullest!)
Ray remembers...
One memory I have of Donna is the first day I met her. I was around 10 years old. Joe was coaching the ball team I was on and we had a game in Assiniboia. Joe was driving his blue car with 4 of us ball players. On the way to Assiniboia we had to stop and pick up his girl friend (Donna) from her parents house on the farm. We got there and we had to wait a little while and then us 4 ball players realized one of us had to sit beside Donna in the front seat- and I somehow was the chosen one. She comes out and of course was sitting beside Joe with me hugging the door. I remember she had perfume on because that is all us ball players could smell. Anyways, we get on the road and now as we are running a little late Joe takes the back roads to Assiniboia and we were (in at least my mind) making air on the rolling hills as he was really moving. Myself, who gets motion sickness and then with the smell of the perfume and having to sit beside this girl, I was very green by the time we got to Assiniboia. It's my first memory of Donna.
(Mariette addition: I remember that car coming back from Wood Mountain Bible camp after Joe went there one summer evening to see Donna who was a counselor at the camp I believe. The car was wildly painted with flowers and such, it was disappointing to see that it was just water colours that washed off...)
Leon, Val, Darrian, and Jacey remember...
We have a lot of special memories but here are some...
Darian and Val both feel that Donna was very welcoming and made them feel at ease from day one as if they had known her all her life. Val also admired Donna' s ability to soothe or comfort babies and small children. We remember once when Jacey was a baby and Donna was holding her and Jacey started talking (or nattering in baby lingo) as if she was telling Donna all her problems. Donna listened as if she was understanding every word she said.
Jacey remembers sitting on Donna's lap while Donna read her book after book. If I am remembering correctly it was four or five books and a comment I got from Jacey was the stories were different than when I read them. Probably because Donna read all the words and didn't skip to get done faster.
Personally I Leon have lots of memories. The ones that stand out the most was her love for softball and curling. Donna was a competitive ball player giving everything she had every time she was out there. She did have trouble pitching once in a while and every couple of games she would pitch one over the backstop but she loved the game and had fun playing it.
Donna was a very nice person and was always willing to help. She was a welcome addition to the Martineau family, always willing to join and support any family function. Whether it was making her potato salad, babysitting others children, sitting through graduations or just putting up with the large number of in laws she married into. She was a great mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.
Mariette remembers....
The word "enough" seems strange to use in this context, but it is the word that is moving through my grief as I say good bye to Donna and move forward in empathy with Joe and the kids. When I think of Donna I think “enough”. Whatever she had whomever she was with, was enough.
When the snowstorm whipped through on her wedding day having those who could get there was “enough”. As babies were born and some mourned, her love of family and Joe was “enough”. The success and joy of her children was “enough” for her. Small town life was “enough” for her, so was moving to the Hat. I think it was “enough” because whatever the world gave her probably would have been. That was always the sense I got from her. I felt “enough” when I was around her, I felt accepted as I was, I felt she genuinely cared about me and my family. We were “enough” just the way we were. A gentle smile, a listening ear, was the generous “enough” she gave us. Her faith was simple and "enough" for her.
When we showed up tired and weary at my parents’ 60th Anniversary because we had just buried Dean’s dad she was of the first to let us know how truly sorry she was and asked how we were doing. I think it was at that gathering that she told me my grey hair was "enough" - I wore it well!
I feel like she has always been in our lives, she married Joe when I was 13 and she was around. She was in figure skating for a while with me, at the senior hockey games, at the curling rink, and lucky for us at family celebrations. She was often on the opposite team for ladies’ fastball and her pitches were beyond “enough” for me. I felt successful if I managed to stay at the plate and get a few swings in and also on rougher days not get hit! It was even “enough” for her to live in the terrifying pink funeral director’s house by the funeral home. The only place I would never let myself fall asleep when babysitting Joleine.
We were blessed to be in her presence at Christmas this year in Moose Jaw, and I loved how she seemed as proud of my kids as I am. They destroyed her Tante Maries within minutes of arrival and they always just enjoyed sitting around with her and hearing stories of the grandkids she loved so much. She was always genuinely interested in how we were doing, always. I loved listening to her speak of the great Christmas day she and Joe had spent with Wilma and Verlyn and Larry - laughter, cards, food, and she said, "perhaps a little too much wine." She and Joe always made sure their parents were well taken care of.
I looked forward to the Friday night posts and pictures of her and Joe arriving at their “camp” which was “enough” of paradise for her. I looked forward to pictures and comments of what her grand kids were up to. I deeply respected her for bringing her brood together once a week and for building relationships with her in laws.
There will always be a part of my heart that won’t be quite “enough” because she’s not here, but I know that only means it will be complete again when like her (I hope!) I will be blessed with life to the full and can enjoy her presence once more.
Tara remembers...
Thank you Auntie Mare for putting together this beautiful website. What a great way to remember a truly loving, caring, happy, and classy woman. I am so far away but feel connected to you all through through this opportunity to share my memories and read yours which helps provide comfort in this tough time. You are all in my thoughts and in my heart. Love you all.
I lived in the same city as Joe, Donna, and their children for 7 years and every time I saw Auntie Donna whether it was in Medicine Hat or at a Martineau get together she always said the same thing to me as we were saying goodbye, "Supper is on Sunday and you are always welcome to join us, no need to call just show up!". This offer that was always extended is and always will be a reminder for me of her and how truly caring, loving, and thoughtful she was.
Jeannette remembers...
Donna always loved holding babies and spending time with kids. We remember her as the one that would be successful at putting babies to sleep. Her she is with Jackson while Jaidyn is in front of her.
Here is a picture of the proud grandparents when Jayden was born. Donna (holding April) once told me when we were staying there and all the grandkids went home, "Being called grandma is the best! But it is kind of nice when they go back to their own homes." Then she giggled and we had a glass of wine.
My boys loved Auntie Donna!! They loved to spend time with her. They were so pumped when she decided to go tubing with them. (Uncle Joe went as well!) Their visit was the highlight of that summer. So much fun was had. Donna always made sure to slow down and take the time to spend with family and friends. This is something I definitely learned from her.
This is a picture that one of the boys took of Joe and Donna at Wakaw Lake. We were all enjoying a lovely afternoon on the deck by the water. There may have been beergaritas involved.
Donna loved her purses. Here she is opening one at Christmas that Joe gave her. I am pretty sure my brother doesn't have that great of taste, but he watches and listens. She had mentioned earlier how she really liked it and bang there it was.
(Mariette addition: I loved how Joe always looked at Donna. Like he knew he had the best gal on the planet...)
I love this picture taken on Christmas Eve in 2013. Joe and Donna always opened their home to us on Christmas. They included us in the exchange of gifts, they bought "Santa" gifts for us and the boys, and basically treated us like their children and grandchildren. As we were leaving each year, they would make sure to invite us back. Hmmm...I wonder if Donna went back into the house and had a glass of wine when we left like we sometimes did together once her children and grandchildren left. Ha Ha! I hope she did! Cheers Donna! I bet Zen Zen tastes good in heaven!
Louise remembers...
I had been telling Donna about this letter she wrote me 38 years ago - she could not remember it. I was very fortunate to spend some time with her a couple weeks before her passing - I finally got the letter out and she read it. We had some laughs. She could not remember writing it and felt special that I had saved the letter all these years. I saved it all these years because she is special and the letter was special and I am glad I was able to show her that. (not something that gets said enough)
Of course the few years I did play ball with Donna were brought up often and always had a good laugh.
My family spent most holidays in Lafleche with mom and dad and thus Joe and Donna and family. I cannot imagine another family gathering without her being there in human form as she was always there.
My heart aches for my big brother Joe and his family. I will forever miss her strength, steadiness, smile and presence.
I had been telling Donna about this letter she wrote me 38 years ago - she could not remember it. I was very fortunate to spend some time with her a couple weeks before her passing - I finally got the letter out and she read it. We had some laughs. She could not remember writing it and felt special that I had saved the letter all these years. I saved it all these years because she is special and the letter was special and I am glad I was able to show her that. (not something that gets said enough)
Of course the few years I did play ball with Donna were brought up often and always had a good laugh.
My family spent most holidays in Lafleche with mom and dad and thus Joe and Donna and family. I cannot imagine another family gathering without her being there in human form as she was always there.
My heart aches for my big brother Joe and his family. I will forever miss her strength, steadiness, smile and presence.
Therese remembers...
I went to school with Donna in Grades 11 and 12. I remember watching her play sports while I warmed the bench and thinking that girl has it all- beauty, popularity, height and athleticism. Then she had even more- my brother !
As I look at our class picture I realise he chose the cutest one in the class . At first I wasn't impressed that my brother started going out with a girl in my class but then she gave us my Goddaughter, Joleine and it just didn't matter anymore. Donna has been in our family for 40 years and she has always fit in. She was always the one to grab the new babies first and I totally appreciate how she took such good care of Mom . Her husband, children and grandchildren always came first in her life. She will be present in all our family gatherings through her legacy - her children and grandchildren.
I went to school with Donna in Grades 11 and 12. I remember watching her play sports while I warmed the bench and thinking that girl has it all- beauty, popularity, height and athleticism. Then she had even more- my brother !
As I look at our class picture I realise he chose the cutest one in the class . At first I wasn't impressed that my brother started going out with a girl in my class but then she gave us my Goddaughter, Joleine and it just didn't matter anymore. Donna has been in our family for 40 years and she has always fit in. She was always the one to grab the new babies first and I totally appreciate how she took such good care of Mom . Her husband, children and grandchildren always came first in her life. She will be present in all our family gatherings through her legacy - her children and grandchildren.
Kira remembers...
One of the memories that I have of Auntie Donna that truly touched me was the time that I went camping in Banff with some friends from school and we were too tired to drive the whole way home. We passed a sign for Medicine Hat, so I tried to get a hold of some relatives that lived in the area to see if they had a place for 3 dirty teenagers to sleep. Auntie Donna welcomed us with open arms, offering us clean beds and warm showers. It really reminded me that no matter how many members this family has, you will never become lost in the mix of it all, and that the love present amongst this family is timeless and forgiving. I'm very happy that Auntie Donna has helped me realize this, and I love her and I miss her very much.
Dean remembers...
What do I remember about my fellow out-law Donna...
She never seemed to want to be the center of attention but was always in the middle of what was going on. She seemed to thrive on the joy, laughter, and love of the “family”. It did not matter what was happening as long as it was happening together.
I first met Donna at the same time as about 38 other Martineau family members at Mom and Dad’s 40th wedding anniversary celebration in Saskatoon. Mariette was hosting at the diocesan offices and they were trying to get a group picture which is often a part of the family gatherings. Mare came up from the kitchen with singed hair and eyebrows (that story can be told at another time) but Donna was awesome as she laughed and she assured me that it may look crazy but it was tons of fun. I think she said the same thing to me when the speeches and tears began to flow a couple of hours later.
She always had the knack to make people feel welcome in the large group or with a small group, young or old you were a part of the family and that was all that mattered. I remember her hugs and little words of encouragement when we would get together and when we would leave for the ‘outlaws’ to stick together and her assurance that being called “dummy” was truly a term of endearment.
Donna was so generous with her time and her space with the kids and the whole family whether hosting or not she was always helping out wherever help was needed. I remember washing dishes together and prepping carrots and potatoes together always with laughter and great conversation. I remember being her partner for Bocci Ball and though competitive she still put up with my incompetence and we laughed.
I think that may be the thing that I will most remember is the laughter (and of course the good food she always brought with her, cookies or brownies anyone?) The family will be forever changed, as will the "outlaws", but we are all better for having had Donna in our lives for whatever time it has been. I thank God for the blessing she has been and for the legacy she has left. Together we will have to fill the gap and remember family is what matters.
Jaidyn remembers...
Grandma was a very inspiring woman and always saw the bright side of everything. It was impossible for her to see the bad side. Whenever someone is feeling down she always saw the bright side, there was no such thing as the bad side. I will always remember the memories I have with Grandma.
Eulogy by Cherisse Martineau
Before I begin I just want to thank each and every one of you for being here today. It really means a lot to Dad and the rest of our family to see so many faces here to celebrate my mother’s life. It truly shows what an amazing person she was to have had an impact on all of us here today.
Last weekend when it was decided that I would do the eulogy I thought, “Sure, no problem. I’ve got an entire week to prepare, I can handle this!” But, anyone who knows me well, knows that I am an expert in the art of procrastination. There I sat last night at midnight staring at my computer screen trying to figure out what I wanted to say. So please bear with me if I stumble.
Donna was my mother. But she was also mother to Joleine and Craig, grandmother to April, Carissa, Taylor, Jaidyn, Jackson, and Lily. She was a loving wife and best friend to my dad. She was a sister, a daughter, a cousin, a friend. She was many things to many people and we all have our favorite memories and stories. Today I’d like to share just a few of my favorite stories with you.
Like most kids who grow up in small town Saskatchewan, my mom played a lot of sports. Because, well, there was really nothing else to do. Mom was a great athlete, and if you ask some folks back home they might even tell you she was a legend. I grew up hearing a lot of stories about my mom’s athletic prowess (including her ability to break her arm during a volleyball game just a couple days before her sister’s wedding even though her mother told her not to play because she would hurt herself!), but she was of course most famous for her fastball pitching. My mom had a style of her own, that made many batters...and probably backcatchers….and maybe even umpires, nervous to face her. She threw “slough water”, whatever the heck that means. All I know is she threw the ball hard and wild, and as crazy as her pitches would look coming in, she’d still manage to strike out the best of them over and over again. I remember spending my summers as a little kid at the ball diamonds watching my mom pitch for the Lafleche A’s, and I thought she was a superstar. Of course, even superstars have their bad days, and as I’m sure many of you here saw first hand, mom did occasionally have to yell “look out” to the fans when a pitch would get away from her and sail over the backstop. Like my mom I was also a fastball pitcher, but my skill level never quite matched hers. I did however, once throw it over the backstop, but decided right then and there that I should never pitch again and locked in my position at first base instead.
Mom was also famous back home for her curling skills. She spent a lot of time in the winter travelling to bonspiels in all the different towns around Lafleche. I’ve been told that when people would look at the draw for the bonspiel you would often hear mutterings of “Oh no, we play Donna Martineau, we can’t beat her!” I know that one of mom’s proudest moments from her curling career was the year that her team won the Legion Ladies Provincial Championship; and even though that was kind of a big deal, I think her absolute proudest curling moment was the time she won the Lafleche Mixed League championship. Mom always tried to get me to curl but I was never interested. When I was 13 years old she managed to convince me to play in the local mixed league with her, her sister Verlyn, and Verlyn’s daughter Kerri who would have been about 16 at the time. A “mixed” league in a small town means you’ll see teams that are men and women, teams of just women, and teams of just men...and then there was us. 2 women and 2 bratty teenagers who didn’t know much about curling and completely lacked any professionalism or dedication to the sport...but, we had Donna Martineau. I didn’t even know how to curl. Mom used to have to give me hand signals so that I’d know if I was supposed to throw an in turn or an out turn (I still don’t know what that means!), and she often had to convince me that “chucking it down the middle as hard as I could” was not a wise play to make. As expected we lost quite a few games, but then playoffs hit. And we started to win. We won the B side and had to cross over and beat the top team on the A side twice in order to be named league champs. Well the top team just happened to be a team of 4 rather competitive men. I’m sure they looked at us and laughed thinking these “girls” will never beat us. But, we had Donna Martineau. We beat those boys, twice!, and were named league champs. I promptly decided that I would retire from curling, I wanted to leave on a high note. Mom of course went on to curl many years after that but I don’t think anything quite topped that year for her. Any time her curling career was discussed her eyes would light up and she would proudly tell the story of how her and her daughter became league champs.
My Mom was good at a lot of things. One of those things was baking. Growing up I remember the excitement of walking into the kitchen and seeing her with dough spread across the entire table, stamping out donuts. She also used to bake the best bread and buns, the best chocolate cake, and of course we can’t forget her sugar cookies and brownies that she had to bring to every Martineau gathering or they would threaten to kick her out of the family. During my first year of college I was living in Medicine Hat and mom and dad were still living in Lafleche. I remember talking to mom on the phone one night and she had been baking buns. I was jealous that dad was at home with all these fresh baked buns to himself, so I jokingly told mom to mail me some. Sure enough, a few days later a small box arrived in my mailbox. There was no return address on it and having forgotten our earlier conversation, I thought, what the heck is this? When I opened it, inside was a bun. She had actually gone to the trouble of mailing me a bun like I had asked. It tasted like cardboard, but I thought it was delicious anyway. I like to think that I’m a pretty good baker, and I credit my mom for that. I do wish I would have practiced some of her recipes a little more while she was still here to give me advice, but don’t worry Dad, I’ll keep trying...and you can keep telling me “its not as good as your mother’s.”
By far the greatest joy in my mother’s life was being a grandma. And she really was the best grandma that I have ever seen. She loved each and every one of her grandchildren unconditionally, and her grandkids always came first. From the time they were born she spent many hours rocking them, singing them to sleep, reading books, playing games, watching swimming lessons and going to baseball games. She had a close bond with each grandchild that was really special, I loved watching her with my children. The sound of my babies laughing together with Grandma will forever play in my heart. About a month ago I needed a babysitter one night while I went to play volleyball, so mom came over to watch the kids. Lily was already in bed when she got there but Jackson got to stay up for a little bit. The next day I asked Jackson what he did with Grandma while I was gone. I was expecting him to say they watched tv or colored, something simple like that. But he rambled off a whole list of things they had done. They drew pictures and they got down on the floor to play with toys and they even dressed up as superheroes and had a battle. Mom had done everything he asked her to do, just to make him happy. That’s just the kind of grandma she was.
My mom never expected much from anyone, and always seemed happy and content with what she had. Growing up we didn’t have a lot. We had enough, but not much more than that. There were no fancy cars or extravagant vacations. Mom never complained about that, but I do remember her always telling me, “Some day I will go to Hawaii. Some day if we win the lottery, the first thing I’m going to do is book my trip to Hawaii.” Well she waited a very long time, but this past January she finally got her wish. Mom and dad were able to go to Hawaii for their 40th wedding anniversary. They spent 2 weeks together on the beach and in the sun. She told me it was the perfect trip...even if their backpack got stolen on the beach, and dad put the keys to the rental car through the washing machine costing them hundreds of dollars to replace. Mom felt she had truly been to paradise and her dream had come true.
Speaking of paradise, I know my mom believed in heaven, and so that is where I believe she is now. I know she would have had a lot of family and friends waiting in heaven to greet her, although they may have been surprised she showed up so soon. I can hear her brother Larry’s voice saying “What the hell are you doing here?!?” And I picture her dad giving her a big hug and then handing her her baby that she never got to know. And then I can hear my mother’s voice, singing rock-a-bye baby to that sweet little angel, just like she did to so many of us that were once babies in her arms. Wherever my mother may be right now, I know that she is in a place of peace and love. And I know that she will guide me and protect me as I live out the rest of my days on this earth. Her shining light of love will live on in myself, my babies, and all of us here today. To quote my 5 year old “Grandma is up in heaven now. Up in the sky just flyin’ around, catchin’ a ride on a cloud.”
One of the memories that I have of Auntie Donna that truly touched me was the time that I went camping in Banff with some friends from school and we were too tired to drive the whole way home. We passed a sign for Medicine Hat, so I tried to get a hold of some relatives that lived in the area to see if they had a place for 3 dirty teenagers to sleep. Auntie Donna welcomed us with open arms, offering us clean beds and warm showers. It really reminded me that no matter how many members this family has, you will never become lost in the mix of it all, and that the love present amongst this family is timeless and forgiving. I'm very happy that Auntie Donna has helped me realize this, and I love her and I miss her very much.
Dean remembers...
What do I remember about my fellow out-law Donna...
She never seemed to want to be the center of attention but was always in the middle of what was going on. She seemed to thrive on the joy, laughter, and love of the “family”. It did not matter what was happening as long as it was happening together.
I first met Donna at the same time as about 38 other Martineau family members at Mom and Dad’s 40th wedding anniversary celebration in Saskatoon. Mariette was hosting at the diocesan offices and they were trying to get a group picture which is often a part of the family gatherings. Mare came up from the kitchen with singed hair and eyebrows (that story can be told at another time) but Donna was awesome as she laughed and she assured me that it may look crazy but it was tons of fun. I think she said the same thing to me when the speeches and tears began to flow a couple of hours later.
She always had the knack to make people feel welcome in the large group or with a small group, young or old you were a part of the family and that was all that mattered. I remember her hugs and little words of encouragement when we would get together and when we would leave for the ‘outlaws’ to stick together and her assurance that being called “dummy” was truly a term of endearment.
Donna was so generous with her time and her space with the kids and the whole family whether hosting or not she was always helping out wherever help was needed. I remember washing dishes together and prepping carrots and potatoes together always with laughter and great conversation. I remember being her partner for Bocci Ball and though competitive she still put up with my incompetence and we laughed.
I think that may be the thing that I will most remember is the laughter (and of course the good food she always brought with her, cookies or brownies anyone?) The family will be forever changed, as will the "outlaws", but we are all better for having had Donna in our lives for whatever time it has been. I thank God for the blessing she has been and for the legacy she has left. Together we will have to fill the gap and remember family is what matters.
Jaidyn remembers...
Grandma was a very inspiring woman and always saw the bright side of everything. It was impossible for her to see the bad side. Whenever someone is feeling down she always saw the bright side, there was no such thing as the bad side. I will always remember the memories I have with Grandma.
Eulogy by Cherisse Martineau
Before I begin I just want to thank each and every one of you for being here today. It really means a lot to Dad and the rest of our family to see so many faces here to celebrate my mother’s life. It truly shows what an amazing person she was to have had an impact on all of us here today.
Last weekend when it was decided that I would do the eulogy I thought, “Sure, no problem. I’ve got an entire week to prepare, I can handle this!” But, anyone who knows me well, knows that I am an expert in the art of procrastination. There I sat last night at midnight staring at my computer screen trying to figure out what I wanted to say. So please bear with me if I stumble.
Donna was my mother. But she was also mother to Joleine and Craig, grandmother to April, Carissa, Taylor, Jaidyn, Jackson, and Lily. She was a loving wife and best friend to my dad. She was a sister, a daughter, a cousin, a friend. She was many things to many people and we all have our favorite memories and stories. Today I’d like to share just a few of my favorite stories with you.
Like most kids who grow up in small town Saskatchewan, my mom played a lot of sports. Because, well, there was really nothing else to do. Mom was a great athlete, and if you ask some folks back home they might even tell you she was a legend. I grew up hearing a lot of stories about my mom’s athletic prowess (including her ability to break her arm during a volleyball game just a couple days before her sister’s wedding even though her mother told her not to play because she would hurt herself!), but she was of course most famous for her fastball pitching. My mom had a style of her own, that made many batters...and probably backcatchers….and maybe even umpires, nervous to face her. She threw “slough water”, whatever the heck that means. All I know is she threw the ball hard and wild, and as crazy as her pitches would look coming in, she’d still manage to strike out the best of them over and over again. I remember spending my summers as a little kid at the ball diamonds watching my mom pitch for the Lafleche A’s, and I thought she was a superstar. Of course, even superstars have their bad days, and as I’m sure many of you here saw first hand, mom did occasionally have to yell “look out” to the fans when a pitch would get away from her and sail over the backstop. Like my mom I was also a fastball pitcher, but my skill level never quite matched hers. I did however, once throw it over the backstop, but decided right then and there that I should never pitch again and locked in my position at first base instead.
Mom was also famous back home for her curling skills. She spent a lot of time in the winter travelling to bonspiels in all the different towns around Lafleche. I’ve been told that when people would look at the draw for the bonspiel you would often hear mutterings of “Oh no, we play Donna Martineau, we can’t beat her!” I know that one of mom’s proudest moments from her curling career was the year that her team won the Legion Ladies Provincial Championship; and even though that was kind of a big deal, I think her absolute proudest curling moment was the time she won the Lafleche Mixed League championship. Mom always tried to get me to curl but I was never interested. When I was 13 years old she managed to convince me to play in the local mixed league with her, her sister Verlyn, and Verlyn’s daughter Kerri who would have been about 16 at the time. A “mixed” league in a small town means you’ll see teams that are men and women, teams of just women, and teams of just men...and then there was us. 2 women and 2 bratty teenagers who didn’t know much about curling and completely lacked any professionalism or dedication to the sport...but, we had Donna Martineau. I didn’t even know how to curl. Mom used to have to give me hand signals so that I’d know if I was supposed to throw an in turn or an out turn (I still don’t know what that means!), and she often had to convince me that “chucking it down the middle as hard as I could” was not a wise play to make. As expected we lost quite a few games, but then playoffs hit. And we started to win. We won the B side and had to cross over and beat the top team on the A side twice in order to be named league champs. Well the top team just happened to be a team of 4 rather competitive men. I’m sure they looked at us and laughed thinking these “girls” will never beat us. But, we had Donna Martineau. We beat those boys, twice!, and were named league champs. I promptly decided that I would retire from curling, I wanted to leave on a high note. Mom of course went on to curl many years after that but I don’t think anything quite topped that year for her. Any time her curling career was discussed her eyes would light up and she would proudly tell the story of how her and her daughter became league champs.
My Mom was good at a lot of things. One of those things was baking. Growing up I remember the excitement of walking into the kitchen and seeing her with dough spread across the entire table, stamping out donuts. She also used to bake the best bread and buns, the best chocolate cake, and of course we can’t forget her sugar cookies and brownies that she had to bring to every Martineau gathering or they would threaten to kick her out of the family. During my first year of college I was living in Medicine Hat and mom and dad were still living in Lafleche. I remember talking to mom on the phone one night and she had been baking buns. I was jealous that dad was at home with all these fresh baked buns to himself, so I jokingly told mom to mail me some. Sure enough, a few days later a small box arrived in my mailbox. There was no return address on it and having forgotten our earlier conversation, I thought, what the heck is this? When I opened it, inside was a bun. She had actually gone to the trouble of mailing me a bun like I had asked. It tasted like cardboard, but I thought it was delicious anyway. I like to think that I’m a pretty good baker, and I credit my mom for that. I do wish I would have practiced some of her recipes a little more while she was still here to give me advice, but don’t worry Dad, I’ll keep trying...and you can keep telling me “its not as good as your mother’s.”
By far the greatest joy in my mother’s life was being a grandma. And she really was the best grandma that I have ever seen. She loved each and every one of her grandchildren unconditionally, and her grandkids always came first. From the time they were born she spent many hours rocking them, singing them to sleep, reading books, playing games, watching swimming lessons and going to baseball games. She had a close bond with each grandchild that was really special, I loved watching her with my children. The sound of my babies laughing together with Grandma will forever play in my heart. About a month ago I needed a babysitter one night while I went to play volleyball, so mom came over to watch the kids. Lily was already in bed when she got there but Jackson got to stay up for a little bit. The next day I asked Jackson what he did with Grandma while I was gone. I was expecting him to say they watched tv or colored, something simple like that. But he rambled off a whole list of things they had done. They drew pictures and they got down on the floor to play with toys and they even dressed up as superheroes and had a battle. Mom had done everything he asked her to do, just to make him happy. That’s just the kind of grandma she was.
My mom never expected much from anyone, and always seemed happy and content with what she had. Growing up we didn’t have a lot. We had enough, but not much more than that. There were no fancy cars or extravagant vacations. Mom never complained about that, but I do remember her always telling me, “Some day I will go to Hawaii. Some day if we win the lottery, the first thing I’m going to do is book my trip to Hawaii.” Well she waited a very long time, but this past January she finally got her wish. Mom and dad were able to go to Hawaii for their 40th wedding anniversary. They spent 2 weeks together on the beach and in the sun. She told me it was the perfect trip...even if their backpack got stolen on the beach, and dad put the keys to the rental car through the washing machine costing them hundreds of dollars to replace. Mom felt she had truly been to paradise and her dream had come true.
Speaking of paradise, I know my mom believed in heaven, and so that is where I believe she is now. I know she would have had a lot of family and friends waiting in heaven to greet her, although they may have been surprised she showed up so soon. I can hear her brother Larry’s voice saying “What the hell are you doing here?!?” And I picture her dad giving her a big hug and then handing her her baby that she never got to know. And then I can hear my mother’s voice, singing rock-a-bye baby to that sweet little angel, just like she did to so many of us that were once babies in her arms. Wherever my mother may be right now, I know that she is in a place of peace and love. And I know that she will guide me and protect me as I live out the rest of my days on this earth. Her shining light of love will live on in myself, my babies, and all of us here today. To quote my 5 year old “Grandma is up in heaven now. Up in the sky just flyin’ around, catchin’ a ride on a cloud.”