Obituary of Martha Bodnar

Mrs. Martha Rose Bodnar of Regina passed away on Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at age 87. Martha struggled with arthritis, osteoporosis and declining health the last few years. While we miss her very much, we are comforted knowing that she is now without pain and at peace. Martha was born in the Kipling district in 1924. Her family moved to Moose Valley, Saskatchewan in 1927 where they ran the Post Office. She worked as a Postal Assistant and later a Post Mistress after her fathers passing. Martha dearly loved the family farm and it was with a heavy heart that she, her mother and her young son Charles left the farm for Regina in 1954. In 1955, Martha began her 34 year career with the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool. She enjoyed her job and was forever grateful to the Wheat Pool for hiring her, as she had a family to support. During her time at the Pool, Martha made many lifelong friends with whom she kept in touch at the coffee groups and annual banquets. She retired in 1989 with a well-deserved send off by supervisors and colleagues. In retirement, she continued to be very active in numerous clubs, attending teas, visiting friends, and shopping for beautiful things. Martha loved her charming old home and garden which she enjoyed sharing with friends and family. She was fond of cats and farm animals, travel, flowers, nice old movies and old-time music. Most of all, Martha cherished her family. She hosted many family celebrations and captured those joyful moments in her photo albums; she was a wonderful cook and hostess. She treasured her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and took great joy in watching them play with the gifts she gave them. Martha was predeceased by her parents, Esther and Joseph Bodnar; sister Elizabeth in infancy; sisters, Alice Bodnar and Margaret Ekelin; brother-in-law Wilbur Ekelin and many dear friends. She is survived by son Charles (Karen); grandchildren, Tammy (Mark) Dorey, Lori (Chris) Allard, Shawn Bodnar and Bonny Bodnar; great-grandchildren, Eric, Karlee and Sheldon Dorey and Devlin and Connor Allard all of Regina; cousins, Charles Bodnar of Livelong and Esther Jesse of Maidstone as well as many dear friends. A Funeral Service will be held at Westminster United Church, 3025-13th Avenue, Regina on Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. with Darrell Reine officiating. Martha was a faithful member of Westminster since 1954. A reception will follow the service with interment in Riverside Memorial Park, 815 Assiniboine Drive East, Regina. In lieu of flowers, those so wishing may make memorial donations to the Arthritis Society, 110 - 2550 12th Avenue, Regina, S4P 3X1. Her family wishes to thank EMS, the staff of the Pasqua Hospital, Speers Funeral Chapel, Westminster United Church, her health care providers and the many good friends and supporters who were always there for her. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.speersfuneralchapel.com