We Remember

MARTINS, Clara
February 27, 1934 — January 12, 2025
It is with great sadness and profound love that we announce the passing of Clara Martins on January 12, 2025, at the age of 90.
Left to hold her dear to their hearts are her children Philip (Sandra) Martins, Marlene (Barry) McPherson, Beverly Haak, and Pauline (Chris) Robinson; grandchildren Demara, Aaron, Kevin (Laurel), Riley (Noemie), Andrew (Marie), Michael (Shawna), Danelle (Paul), Colin (Carla) and Ashley; 19 great-grandchildren; sisters Dorothy, Victoria Onysyk (Dan), Ruth Willms (Ed), Irene Redekopp (Henry), brothers Art, Ken (Ann), sister-in-law Ann Nikkel (Victor), brother-in-law Gerry Martins (Rose) as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Clara was predeceased by her beloved husband of 62 years, Henry Martins; son-in-law Don Haak; great-grandson Josiah Haak; sister Mary Schmidt (John), brothers Jim (Tina), Jack (Donna), Katie Tosey (Joseph), Victor (Ann), Ervan and sister Rosella Rempel.
Clara was born February 27, 1934, in Yarrow, BC. She was the sixth child of 14 children born to Jacob and Agatha (Buhler) Nikkel and lived a life marked by serving others, hard work, and showing kindness.
Although academically inclined, Clara left school after grade 8 to become her mother’s helper at home; cooking meals, baking, helping with housework and caring for her many younger siblings.
Clara moved to Vancouver as a young adult, where she met her future husband, Henry Martins. They were married on October 10, 1954 at East Aldergrove MB Church in Aldergrove, BC. In 1968 their young family moved to Clearbrook, BC and joined the Bakerview MB Church.
Clara passed on her rich faith to her children and her love for family. She enjoyed entertaining in her home and many were blessed with her delicious meals. She had an appreciation for music and played accordion and electric organ, inspiring her children to study music. Clara enjoyed playing sports, especially softball, in which she played the positions of pitcher and catcher on her school team as a youth. As an adult, she was an avid walker and also enjoyed bowling in the Abbotsford Bowling Leagues.
Clara worked as a cook at the Menno Home and at the Columbia Bible College, where she especially enjoyed getting to know the young students.
After retiring, Clara was a valued volunteer with the Mennonite Central Committee in Abbotsford for 20 years, and enjoyed traveling with her husband, including many memorable camping and fishing trips with family and friends.
In 2016, after living in Abbotsford, BC for almost 50 years, Clara, together with her husband, made the big decision to move to Kelowna and be closer to their 3 daughters.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses, care aids and staff at Mountainview Village Assisted Living, Kelowna, BC, who cared for Clara for the past eleven months with kindness, compassion, and professionalism. We would also like to thank Dr. Uribe Lima for her excellent care of Clara over the past eight years.
A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, January 31, at 10:00 am at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC, with Pastor Andrew Haak officiating. Interment with family is on Friday, January 31, at 1:30 pm at the Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view in 3-5 days.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Mennonite Central Committee in remembrance of Clara.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.
Service
Friday, January 31, 2025, at 10:00 AM
Location
Springfield Funeral Home
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Service Information
Service Details
The service for MARTINS, Clara is scheduled for Friday, January 31, 2025, at 10:00 AM. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Thank you for the livestream link. What a beautiful tribute to your sweet Mom. She was indeed a blessing! We send our deepest condolences to you and your family!
With love,
Joseph and Judy Tosey