MARTHA SPENCER

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MARTHA SPENCER We are sad to announce that Martha passed away on Saturday, May 5, 2018, at the age of 96 years. Martha was born in Budapest, Hungary, where she lived until 1948 when she chose to leave with her young family to seek a better life. With her family, she travelled through a number of European countries, including Germany, before arriving in Perth, Australia. However, Australia was not to be her final destination, so after seven years the family travelled to California, U.S.A. After living one year in Los Angeles, the family travelled across the States to enter Canada and reside in Toronto, Ontario. Two years later, Martha and her family moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba, where she lived for the rest of her life. Shortly after arriving in Winnipeg, she started to work at the Children's Hospital as a supervisor in housekeeping. She continued working there for 25 years, finishing her career as an assistant manager at the Health Sciences Centre. Outside of work, Martha was a lover of the finer things in life and appreciated art, symphonic music, opera and dance. She was an avid reader and had a keen interest in local and world events, and was never afraid to express her own opinions. In retirement, Martha actively pursued one of her passions, playing bridge several times a week with her husband, Len. She had many skills and was known by all her family to be a gourmet cook and baker of exquisite European cakes that were enjoyed immensely by all her guests. Most of all, she loved all her extended family and was proud of their successes and accomplishments. Martha will be forever missed. She is survived by her husband, Len McMurtrie, her son Peter (June) and their children: Andrew (Kari), Jennifer (Ryan) and David (Jody), and by her daughter Judy (Bob) and their children: Katherine, Susan and Michelle. She is also survived by 13 great-grandchildren. We are thankful for the compassionate care provided by Martha's caregivers, Regina, Evelyn, Imelda and Kay, while she was still living in her home. We also thank the staff at the Charleswood Care Centre for the excellent care she received during her time there. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at the Neil Bardal Funeral Centre, 3030 Notre Dame Avenue, Winnipeg. In lieu of flowers, you may wish to make a donation to your favourite charity in Martha's honour. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 12, 2018