July 14, 1921 – August 4, 2013
On the night of August 4, 2013, our family and the world lost an amazing woman who spent her life always putting her family first, gave selflessly to help others around her, and never asked for anything in return. Love personified.
Survived by her loving husband of 38 years Warren Campbell, daughter Geraldine Foster (Ken); granddaughter Marsha Foster and great grandson Tyson Foster, granddaughter Connie Dignard, great-granddaughter Taylor Dignard and great-grandson Brendan Dignard, brother Arnold Holstein (Mavis), brother John Holstein (Cynthia), sister Gladys Heeney (Tom), sister Veronica Rothgerber (David); extended family; Bruce Campbell (Carol); Roger Campbell (Cindy), Ruth Lowe (Nigel) and Murray Campbell.
Predeceased by her mother Mary Holstein in 1969, father Frederick Holstein in 1999, sister Edna Nelson 1974, sister Adeline (Lil) Smith 2011, nephew Edward Nelson in 2000, and great-nephew Jeffrey Nelson 2000.
Martha was the eldest of five children and two foster children. She was born in Rhein, Saskatchewan but grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba. At 16 Martha left school to help the family survive. After the Second World War broke out Martha moved to Toronto then to Sydney N.S. then like many others she joined the war effort at home. She was our own “Rosie the Riveter”. Later she became qualified in shaping sheet metal for British Ropes and several other companies.
A strong work ethic and the determination to support her only child, Martha held a variety of jobs even as a taxi driver. Since her forte was making new friends; she was very successful selling Encyclopedia’s for Encyclopedia Britannica in Winnipeg, Calgary and Edmonton.
In 1942 Martha married Frank Leswick in Toronto which only lasted until he was discharged from the army in 1945.
In 1953 Martha moved to Vancouver, BC. In 1958 Martha and Geraldine moved to Vancouver Island (Royston BC) and in 1965 she built a house in Courtenay.
In 1969 Martha returned to Vancouver to live for a short period after the death of her mother but moved back to the Island where she met her current husband Warren Campbell in 1975. They resided in Comox, BC.
Warren and Martha’s journey together was amazing. They loved their home and yard and family. They were best friends and playmates and loved to spend quiet quality time together and time with the family.
Golf became Martha’s passion and she and Warren were long-time members of the Glacier Greens Golf Club. They became the typical “Snow Birds” spending many winter vacations where they joined friends and family and lots of golf.
Martha dedicated endless hours as an Auxiliary Member at Glacier View Lodge and on April 19, 2000 was honoured by being the first recipient of the Glacier View Lodge Auxiliary of the year award which was named after her. This year she was presented with a Certificate of Recognition and a Lifetime Membership.
The family is grateful for the compassionate and caring staff at both “Ocean View” and the “Casa Loma Senior Village” and “Special Thanks” to Dr. D. Konway.
In lieu of flowers donations on Martha’s behalf can be made to Glacier View Lodge at 2450 Back Road, Courtenay, BC, V9N 8B5
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 25th, 2013 from 1-5pm at the Comox Legion Branch 160 at 1825 Comox Ave., Comox, BC. All friends and family are invited.