Marguerite Joy Martin (nee Matthews)

It is with great sadness the family of Marguerite announces her passing in the Arborg PCH at the age of 98 years.

Mom was predeceased by her husbands Delmar Martin in 1995 and Alex Smith in 2012, daughter Sharon Lamblez, brother George and his wife Shirley, and son-in-law Charlie Lamblez.

She leaves to mourn her passing her 3 sons: Garry, Brian, Bret (Karen) grandchildren, great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. Also surviving is her brother Lawson Matthews (Marlene) of Maple Ridge BC, several nieces, nephews and friends.

Mom was born in Mervin, SK the only daughter of the late Rev. Reginald and Edith Matthews. She started her education in Russell MB and finished it in Oakville MB.

While in Oakville she worked as a telephone operator and met and married Delmar Martin in 1946. After they were married Mom and Dad continued to live in Oakville where they raised their family of 4 children. In 1960 they took over the Martin family farm moving south of Oakville. Mom was a member of the Knox United Church in Oakville, the McKenzie United Church in Portage and a member of the UCW at both churches. While in Oakville she was a Sunday school teacher, Messenger leader as well as a choir member. Mom was really busy while we were growing up. She was a farmer’s wife with everything that job entailed; a mother involved in our activities like hockey and figure skating. Then in her spare time Mom, with Dad’s help or vice versa would watch the hockey games and pick out the players that would win the trophies at the end of the season. These trophies were presented annually at the Oakville hockey windup.

Mom liked watching sports right up to her passing. In summer she followed the horse racing circuit. Always winning but never betting more than a couple of bucks at a time! In winter it was hockey and ice fishing. Once her sons were finished playing hockey, she would watch her grandchildren then her great grandchildren.

As well as her enthusiasm for sports, Mom liked to travel. She went on an Alaskan cruise, and she and Alex spent winter months in Osoyoos, BC as well as trips to Texas, Arizona and the Bahamas. In her retirement years Mom swam, loved to knit, puzzled and still go to the hockey games when she had the chance. If not in the rink for a game, she made sure to catch hockey on the TV.

While living in Dalton Estates in Portage and Village Green in Brandon, Mom enjoyed the interaction with the other seniors and their activities. She was always the last person to leave the coffee group.

She relocated to Arborg in 2022 to be closer to Bret and Karen where she met many new friends while living at the House of Hope. She was very well thought of by all the staff there as well as her home care attendants.

A celebration of her life will be held at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel on Saturday March 21, 2026, at 1:30pm. As per Mom’s wishes cremation has taken place and she will be interred in the Oakville cemetery after her service.

Flowers are graciously declined. Should friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to the Oakville Community Foundation, Fort La Reine Museum or charity of one’s choice.

A tree will be planted and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com