Obituary for Martha Lottie Wright (Brown)
It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Martha at the North Shore Hospice after a brief illness precipitated by a fall. Predeceased by her beloved husband of 71 years, Jim, her brothers Walter, Allan, Howard and her sisters Anne, Phyllis and Mary. She is survived by her brother Tom, her four children; Jim (Louise), Bob (Tracy), Patricia (Chris), and Ken (Colleen), six grandchildren; Amy, Heather (David), Nathan (Lynsey), Meredith, James (Taylor) and Matthew (Kelly) and one great grandson, JJ (John-James).
Martha was delivered by her father at the home of her parents, George and Violet, on the Gordon Estate Rd (now 68th Avenue) in Langley. She grew up during the Depression in a large family with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins all living close by. She attended Langley Prairie School and then Langley High School. After completing Grade 9 she moved to Vancouver and worked as a telephone operator for BC Telephone. On the weekends, she travelled home on the Interurban to be with family and friends and attend dances at the Willoughby Hall.
It was at one of these dances she met Jim Wright, also from Langley. They married in February 1947, moved to east Vancouver living on East 6th St and then Prince Albert St where they made lifelong friends with the Todd and Fox families. In 1962 they moved to Lynn Valley and built their own home on Coleman St where they lived for over 50 years, making many friends, especially the Whittaker and Galpin families. Over the years they also stayed connected with their Langley friends, especially John and Shirley Yeomans.
Martha was a true homemaker. She loved caring for and supporting her family. In her calm and quiet way, she guided us through life. Looking after her home and her garden was a source of enjoyment and pride. She volunteered with the PTA at Sir Richard McBride and Upper Lynn Schools, with the Lynn Valley Girl Guides and at her church. In the early 1970’s, with her friend Shirley Baycroft, they worked in North Shore Nursing Homes. She also worked as the registrar for Camp Artaban.
Martha and Jim’s life together was full. Their kitchen table was a gathering place for neighbours, friends and family. They enjoyed travelling both close to and far away from home. Early years included many camping trips to ‘Hackmatack’ (Conkle Lake) near Rock Creek and in later years they travelled farther afield, especially enjoying their trips to Italy with Joyce and Norm MacLeod. They were BC Lions’ season tickets holders and were at Empire Stadium when BC won the ’64 Grey Cup. Retirement gave them time to spend with their grandchildren and Martha included each of them in her daily life, whether that be baking, laundry, cleaning or morning calisthenics!
Martha’s life reflected her Christian faith. She was kind and friendly, a very good listener, always considerate of others’ needs and forgave easily. She was well loved and gave a lot of love. In her diary she repeatedly wrote “how blessed I am.”
Very special thank you to the staff at the North Shore Hospice who lovingly and expertly cared for Martha in her last few days. Memorial service at St Timothy’s Anglican Church (630 East 19th Street, North Vancouver) at 10:00 AM on Saturday, July 29, 2023. Reception to follow at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the North Shore Hospice through the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation:
https://www.northshorehospicepalliative.com/donate/support-us/ or a charity of your choice.
Martha was delivered by her father at the home of her parents, George and Violet, on the Gordon Estate Rd (now 68th Avenue) in Langley. She grew up during the Depression in a large family with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins all living close by. She attended Langley Prairie School and then Langley High School. After completing Grade 9 she moved to Vancouver and worked as a telephone operator for BC Telephone. On the weekends, she travelled home on the Interurban to be with family and friends and attend dances at the Willoughby Hall.
It was at one of these dances she met Jim Wright, also from Langley. They married in February 1947, moved to east Vancouver living on East 6th St and then Prince Albert St where they made lifelong friends with the Todd and Fox families. In 1962 they moved to Lynn Valley and built their own home on Coleman St where they lived for over 50 years, making many friends, especially the Whittaker and Galpin families. Over the years they also stayed connected with their Langley friends, especially John and Shirley Yeomans.
Martha was a true homemaker. She loved caring for and supporting her family. In her calm and quiet way, she guided us through life. Looking after her home and her garden was a source of enjoyment and pride. She volunteered with the PTA at Sir Richard McBride and Upper Lynn Schools, with the Lynn Valley Girl Guides and at her church. In the early 1970’s, with her friend Shirley Baycroft, they worked in North Shore Nursing Homes. She also worked as the registrar for Camp Artaban.
Martha and Jim’s life together was full. Their kitchen table was a gathering place for neighbours, friends and family. They enjoyed travelling both close to and far away from home. Early years included many camping trips to ‘Hackmatack’ (Conkle Lake) near Rock Creek and in later years they travelled farther afield, especially enjoying their trips to Italy with Joyce and Norm MacLeod. They were BC Lions’ season tickets holders and were at Empire Stadium when BC won the ’64 Grey Cup. Retirement gave them time to spend with their grandchildren and Martha included each of them in her daily life, whether that be baking, laundry, cleaning or morning calisthenics!
Martha’s life reflected her Christian faith. She was kind and friendly, a very good listener, always considerate of others’ needs and forgave easily. She was well loved and gave a lot of love. In her diary she repeatedly wrote “how blessed I am.”
Very special thank you to the staff at the North Shore Hospice who lovingly and expertly cared for Martha in her last few days. Memorial service at St Timothy’s Anglican Church (630 East 19th Street, North Vancouver) at 10:00 AM on Saturday, July 29, 2023. Reception to follow at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the North Shore Hospice through the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation:
https://www.northshorehospicepalliative.com/donate/support-us/ or a charity of your choice.