Inez (née Martin, a.k.a. Granny Gaga) Whitfield
Date de naissance : 25 février 1928
Date de décès : 4 janvier 2017
Suddenly, but not unexpectedly, after walking a long and winding road of frustrating health and pernicious pain, my momma decided to end this leg of her journey on January 4, 2017. And what a journey it was! From the sky-scrapered sidewalks of New York City to the coal-shaled shores of Cape Breton Island, she spent summers frolicking in the Margaree Valley and winter nights at her window, watching battle and supply convoys head to war. Marriage brought her west in 1956. She and Dad settled in Edmonton and Mom fell in love with the wide-open skies above her and the wide-open hearts of the people around her. Born February 25, 1928. Her teaching career began as a lark when she was 17 and ended as the grand passion of her life 48 years later. Thousands of students learned to write haiku, parse sentences and laugh at life under her tutelage.
Mom's spirit was adventurous, curious and infectious. She was always eager to go anywhere and could turn the simplest grocery run into an epic adventure. Her stories rivalled Viking sagas in scope and were Oscar-worthy in delivery. She is survived by her treasured daughter, Kendra (Tim Woudstra) and ‘found family’ and dear friends too numerous to list.
She was predeceased by her parents, Daniel and Lydia Martin; her husband, Lauchie; her son, Tennyson and her brother, Donnie Martin.
Profound gratitude to the people who looked out for her when she was unable to look out for herself: niece, Ann; friend Hazel; her ‘Miazgals, and the Horsie Gang. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, January 14, 2017 at McClure United Church, 13708 74 Street, Edmonton.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Inez's memory may be made to: The Mustard Seed, The Salvation Army or the World Wildlife Fund.
To sign the book of condolences and to share memories, please visit www.evergreenmemorial.com.
