NEW GLASGOW - Margaret Anna Martell, 91, of East River Manor, New Glasgow, passed away Sunday, September 13th, 2009, at the Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow.
Born in Stellarton, she was a daughter of the late William and Martha (Grover) Fitzgerald.
Margaret was a resident of Pictou County all her life and traveled often, across Canada, USA and Europe. In her earlier years, she was involved in parish activities and was a longtime Guider in the New Glasgow Girl Guide Association. She was employed for 30 years in the housekeeping department of the Aberdeen Hospital, for many years as a seamstress. She was a founding member of CUPE, local 741, in 1956 and served in various executive positions at local, provincial and national levels for CUPE and the CLC. Margaret was a former member of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Canadian Legion, Branch #28 and was active in the senior’s club of Pictou Landing when living at her cottage there. She enjoyed family visits, reading, crocheting, gardening, crafts and puzzles. Margaret proudly displayed her vast collection of salt and pepper shakers from around the world, numbering over 1200 sets.
She is survived by daughters: Lillian (Michel) Leclerc, Stellarton; Peggy Bowes, Hamilton, ON; Patricia Martell, Dartmouth; Roberta (Robert) Howie, Calgary, AB; sons: William “Bill” (Mary), Barrie, ON; Douglas (Gloria), Sarnia, ON; Joseph (Jean), Trenton; 14 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; brother, Raymond (Donna) Fitzgerald, Truro; sister, Frances Chisholm, New Glasgow.
She was predeceased by her husband, William Martell; daughter, Leona Mitoska; grandson, William Mitoska; brothers: William, Edward, James in infancy; sisters: Bertha, Leona, Theresa, Lillian and Elizabeth.
The family will receive visitors from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday in the H.C. MacQuarrie Funeral Home, Stellarton. Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Our Lady Of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church with Father Peter MacDonald and Father Donald Boudreau officiating. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Reception to follow in the parish hall.
Family flowers only. Donations in memory of Margaret may be made to Our Lady Of Lourdes Parish or a charity of one’s choice.