Obituary of Leona Matilda Martel

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Leona Martel, wife of Harold Martel, cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and beloved friend, who left us peacefully surrounded by family, on Tuesday, September 17^th, 2024, at the age of 87.

Born on April 27^th, 1937, in Sampsonville, Mom lived a life rich in love, compassion, and joy.

She was an incredibly devoted wife to the love of her life Harold Martel. They raised 6 children together and were very rarely separated throughout their 65 years of marriage.

As a devoted mother to Donna Groom (Philip), Darrell Martell (Darlene), Gerard Martel (Jerome), Kevin Martel (Mary), Shelly Gagnon (Bernard) and Cathy MacPhee (Theo), Mom provided a foundation of love and support that shaped our lives profoundly. Her role as a grandmother to Johnathon (Maura), Glen (Angela), Leann, Ryan (Laura), Richard (Lauren), Tristan (Caylee), Dustin (Mary), Erica (Alexander), Danielle (Ty), Magen (Liam) and Jenna (Zack), and great grandmother to 12, brought her immense joy. She was a source of wisdom and warmth to her entire family. She also had a special place in her heart for her beloved fur grandbaby, Gizmo, who brought her endless companionship and comfort. Mom was an adoptive Nanny to many, including all the kids that Cathy babysat over the years, whom she treated and loved as her own.

She was an avid Toronto Blue Jays fan and had many interests including darts and skating, activities that she enjoyed, but her true passion was bowling, at which she excelled and made many lifelong friends.

Mom is survived by her devoted husband and care giver Harold Martel, her 6 children, 11 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, her sisters Irene Carter (Norman), Melvina Flanigan, Mary Claire Smith (David), her baby brother Leo Sampson (“Black Leo”) (Diana), sisters-in-law Delina  and Gladys, brother-in-law Andrew Gracie, honorary family member Dave Munday and many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends who will always remember and cherish the impact her kindness and friendship had on their lives.

Mom was preceded in death by her son in infancy Glen Thomas Martel, parents Enos and Rosanne Sampson, her grandparents, sister Mona Gracie, nephews Enos and Anthony, niece Clarissa, mother and father-in-law Emma and Urban Martell, sisters-in-law Evangeline (Jim), Delia, Edna (Walter), Sophie (Dan), Emeline (Percy), brothers-in-law Jimmy Flanigan, Oswald, Flavian (Fern), Leonard, Pascal (Vicky).

The family wants to extend their gratitude to the wonderful nurses and doctors of the Strait Richmond Hospital who provided exceptional care to Mom. They also wish to thank the cafeteria staff who provided wonderful home cooked meals.

Visitation will be held Sunday, September 22^nd from 2:00-9:00 pm in the Holy Guardian Angels Funeral Home in L’Ardoise. A funeral service will be held on Monday, September 23^rd, at 1:00pm, in the Holy Guardian Angel’s Parish Church in L’Ardoise, with the burial at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia or a charity of your choice in Mom’s memory.

She will be profoundly missed and forever remembered for her grace, her laughter, and the countless ways she touched the lives of those around her.

Word of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.haverstocks.com