Rhoda Ellen Martin
March 28, 1929 - November 11, 2014
As published in the August 17, 2015 World-Spectator
Rhoda Ellen Martin of Kiping, Sask. passed away at the Whitewood Care Home on November 11, 2014. Funeral service was held at the Langbank United Church on November 19, 2014 with Reverend Barbara Wilkins officiating; interment was at the Wapella Cemetery on June 29, 2015. For friends and family wishing to do so, memorial tributes may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan either online or by mail to 301-2550 12th Avenue, Regina, Saskatchewan S4P 3X1.
Rhoda was born on March 28, 1929 on the family farm near Wapella, Sask., the only daughter of Ken and Ellen Martin. She was predeceased by her parents, her three brothers, George, Dave, and Ivan Martin, and her son Norman David Hitchcock.
Rhoda is sadly missed by her children and their families: Georgette (Simon Noël) and her sons Paul (Anna Rosenbluth and children Alex and Hanna) and David (Karman Duncan); Donna (Cliff Worley) and their daughters Adrienne (Joey Hanson and children Abilene, Josey, and Jentry) and Jodie (John Jameison and their children Michael, Mercedes, Jesse, and Alexzandra); and Kevin (Michelle Nelson and their son Spencer).
Rhoda and her brothers attended Kendalton District School. The Martin siblings were all self-taught musicians and often played at local dances and family gatherings-Rhoda on the piano, George and David on the fiddle, and Ivan on mouth organ and accordion. These events were among Mum’s happiest memories.
Rhoda trained as a hair dresser in Moose Jaw where she worked until moving back to help on the farm. Rhoda’s mother suffered from TB and was often hospitalized for long periods of time in the Sanatorium at Fort Qu’Appelle. Her sister Nora O’Callaghan often came to help and was like a mother to Rhoda. Perhaps it was from her beloved Auntie Nora that Rhoda acquired her maternal instincts; whatever the source, they were Rhoda’s true gift.
Rhoda married the late Jack Hitchcock, who farmed near Langbank. Rhoda was a loving and dedicated mother to her four children; her presence made our house a home.
When her children were older, Rhoda moved to Kipling where she lived until her illness required her to have additional care. Rhoda enjoyed her work at Balfour Drugs and later, as the receptionist at the Kipling Medical Clinic. She was a proud member of the Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Royal Canadian Legion for years and served on the Kipling Hospital Auxiliary as well. Rhoda joined Kipling’s "60-Plus" singing group and had fond memories of the time she spent with club members entertaining at senior centres and care homes.
At the funeral service, Jodie concluded the grandchildren’s eulogy with a verse Rhoda had written many years ago in her daughter Donna’s autograph book, one which sums up very well Mum’s quiet and loving approach to life:
Whoever you are, be noble;
Whatever you do, do well;
Whenever you speak, speak gently;
Bring joy wherever you dwell.
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