Jean Marie Martin

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jean (Jeannie) Marie Martin at the age of 70 on May 31, 2025 after a sudden and short battle with cancer.  Jean was a strong and selfless woman who had battled and survived cancer many years prior to the recent diagnosis.  Jean and her husband Joe (who passed in 2019) shared many years full of love and memories, creating a beautiful life and family together.  They are survived by their 2 sons: Jason and Jeremy; and 4 beautiful grandchildren: Alex and Julia (twins – 21, Jeremy’s children) and Lily (12) and Rhys (10) (Jason & wife Lisa’s children).

Jean and Joe’s life was not always easy, but they worked extremely hard most of their lives with the shared goal of creating a safe and loving home for their children and later grandchildren. In the early years Jean and Joe worked and travelled with the Mills family carnival / midway until their sons grew to school age.  They continued working hard and grew a successful small business: Regent Auction.  Upon closing the auction, they enjoyed a few well-deserved years of retirement at their beautiful cottage on the lake in Traverse Bay, where they gained a close network of friends and spent many days and evenings making meaningful connections and memories.  In 2012 they decided to get back to work in the summer months and partnered with their son and daughter in law (Jason and Lisa) to operate a concession trailer at local summer fairs (Chill Train Express ice cream trailer), which was operational until 2019 when Joe passed away.  By this time, grandchildren Alex and Julia were old enough to begin helping to work in the trailer as well, which Jean was extremely proud to share with them, and she cherished this time they spent together.  Since then, Jean mainly focused her energy on spending time with her children and grandchildren. Over the last 8 years, Jean lived with her son and daughter-in-law (Jason and Lisa) and their family, helping with the caregiving of Lily and Rhys; the bond this created was so important to her over these last years.  All 4 of Jean’s grandchildren were her # 1 priority, always, and she was their biggest cheerleader in all the activities they pursued. 

Jean also devoted many years to volunteering with Cancer Care, receiving multiple recognition awards during this time.  Her volunteering introduced her to her core group of dear lifelong friends, who she continued to remain close with up until her passing.  

Jean’s warmth and kindness will be missed by many, especially by her family and close friends.  But the lasting memories and love remain in our hearts forever.   We love you and will miss you now and forever mom / grandma / Jeannie.

Although you're gone, I'm not alone,
And never shall I be,
For the precious memories of the bond we shared
Will never depart from me.

Our love surpassed the ups and downs
And helped us along the way,
And that same love will give me strength
To manage this loss each day.

On my mind and in my heart,
Mom, you shall forever be,
For just as much as I am a part of you,
You are a part of me!

Shannon Walker. "Although You're Gone." Family Friend Poems, August 6, 2015. https://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/although-you-re-gone

In keeping with Jean’s wishes, cremation is taking place and no formal service will be held. The family gratefully decline flowers, however, if you wish, charitable donations may be made in Jean’s honour to Cancer Care Manitoba. 

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