Mary Ethel JANE Martin

November 16, 1951 – August 28, 2024

Mary Ethel Jane Martin, Jane from birth to her family and friends, was born on November 16, 1951, in Regina, Saskatchewan, to Harry and Irene Lindsey. She was the second of 4 children – older sister Elizabeth (Betty) and younger brothers Robert (Bob) and Tom. She grew up on the Lindsey family homestead at the top of the hill overlooking Fort Qu’Appelle and the Qu’Appelle Valley.

Jane loved school and learning all of her life. She was an excellent student all throughout her years of schooling in Fort Qu’Appelle. After graduation in 1969 she attended the University of Regina for 2 years, finishing with a Diploma of Education that allowed her to teach. She taught for Grade 1 for 2 years in Moose Jaw.

Jane married her high school sweetheart Robert Lawrence Martin, Lawrence to his family and Larry to his friends, on a blizzardy, freezing day on January 5, 1974. They began life in Red Deer, Alberta. She was active with the other RCMP wives and worked in a bank until her dreams of being a mom came to be. They welcomed their daughter, Dawn Janelle in 1976 and son Ryan Lawrence in 1980. Being a mom was her greatest joy.

Jane was active in her church in all of the communities where they lived, Red Deer, Brooks, Fort McMurray and finally at Lighthouse in Stony Plain. She taught Sunday School for many years, lead children’s music times, organized Christmas and Easter plays with the kids and led woman’s Bible Studies. She was active in Women’s Aglow on both a regional and national level.

Jane and Lawrence spent many years traveling the north with New Testament Outreach Ministry International ministering in many small communities and reserves. She had a love for the north that grew throughout their time in Fort McMurray and never went away when they moved south.

Jane saw a dream fulfilled when they traveled to Israel twice in the years after Lawrence’s retirement. Jane loved Israel and being able to walk the paths where her Lord and Saviour walked was deeply meaningful. Photo albums were filled, and she loved to teach and share about their experiences in the Holy Land.

Jane’s love of family continued as her family grew. 2002 saw her daughter Dawn marrying. She fully accepted and loved her new son-in-law, Paul. 2006 saw her again lovingly welcome daughter-in-law Natasha in the family as her son Ryan married. It was also this year that Jane’s life became more fulfilled as it was the start of her eager and excitedly begin to welcome grandchildren in her arms and heart. 2006-2013 saw the births of Kaitlyn (Dawn’s), Joshua (Dawn’s), Einin (Ryan’s), Josiah (Dawn’s) Tadhg (Ryan’s) and Caleb (Dawn’s) completed the family.

Jane loved being Granny/Grandma and her life was full. She was loved to play Playmobile, Lego, board games, card games, American Girl dolls with each of them. Her imagination knew no bounds and all her creativity came out as she wove stories as they played together. Many hours were spent on the floor and at the table playing together. Jane also loved to read to each of them. She was always on the hunt for new books to enjoy together.

Jane had a passion for prayer and worship. This was something that she and Larry enjoyed together in the years after his retirement. Praying for Canada and the nations were heavy on her heart to the very end. In the last 10 years as they settled fully into life at Lighthouse Church worship took on new meaning for Jane. Her dreams of dancing were met. Flagging became her new expression. Not only did she dance and flag in worship but again was teaching the kids around her to do the same.

Her hugs are one of the things that will be missed the most. Her big blue eyes that looked at you and just saw you, and you knew how loved you were. Her soft smile and encouraging words left an impression on many. Jane’s passing leaves a hole not only in her family, but also in her friends that span the continent and every age group.

She is sorely missed by her husband of 51 years Lawrence; daughter and son-in-law Dawn and Paul Dyck, grandchildren Kaitlyn, Joshua, Josiah, and Caleb; son and daughter-in-law Ryan and Natasha Martin, grandchildren Einin and Tadhg. Also, by her sister Elizabeth and Duane Martin, brothers Robert and Aileen Lindsey, Tom and Sharon Lindsey and brothers-in-law Ralph and Sharon Martin, Ira and Pat Martin and many nieces and nephews.

Jane loved well and fought hard till Jesus called her home on in the early morning of August 28, 2024. She is now beholding the face of the One who loved her most and is once again dancing free of pain.

A Celebration of Life is being planned for Jane on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at 2:00pm at Lighthouse Church in Stony Plain, Alberta – 49 Boulder Blvd. A reception will be held at the church following the service. Jane’s family invites you to join them.