Obituary of Marcella Martin (Roth)

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Marcella Martin (Roth)

1932-2024

Passed away suddenly at her home, Parkwood Retirement Suites, on April 4, 2024, 91 years of age.  She was born in North Easthope Township to David and Sylvia Schwartzentruber.

Marcella married Lester Roth in 1952.  They operated a dairy farm near Millbank.  After Lester’s death in 1963, the family moved to Waterloo and she raised their three children. Marcella was employed at Wilfrid Laurier University in the library for many years.  In 1982, she married Henry Martin and they enjoyed 31 wonderful years together and welcomed Henry’s three daughters.  Henry passed away in 2013.  Predeceased by his daughters Nancy Snyder and Susan Martin.

Marcella was a charter member of Waterloo North Mennonite Church.  The church, along with the Parkwood retirement community, were very important parts of her life. 

Marcella touched so many lives during her lifetime.  She will be remembered by many people in many different ways.  Her open-minded nature and genuine interest in people made her a cherished friend to old and young. She was regarded by those who knew her as a woman with immense strength and integrity.

Marcella found a balance between her adventurous spirit, with a touch of unassuming rebelliousness, and her practical and principled approach to life.

She was not judgmental, was truly empathetic toward others and treated people with compassion and respect.   Family was at the centre of her life. She was a beloved figure in the lives of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, treating each as her own.

Lovingly remembered by her children Gwen (Terry) Graber, Barry (Phyllis) Roth Chuck (Mary) Roth, Bob (Jane) Martin, Cindy (Greg) Curtis and her grandchildren Justin (Colene) Graber, Jonique (Nate) Yoder, Nicholas Roth (Alexia), Aislin Roth, Connor Roth, Alana Haggarty (Nesbitt), Lucas Martin, Ethan Curtis, Max Curtis and 10 great grandchildren.

Survived by Marcella’s siblings, David (Marion) Schwartzentruber, Marlene (Harold) Schultz, Orval Schwartzentruber (Caroline), Don (Maureen) Schwartzentruber.  Also survived by brother-in-law Mervin (Gladys) Roth.  Predeceased by brother Glenn and Katie Schwartzentruber. 

Marcella will be missed by many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Waterloo North Mennonite Church, 100 Benjamin Rd, Waterloo on Thursday, April 11, 2024 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.  The funeral service will take place at Waterloo North Mennonite Church on Friday, April 12, 2024 at 11:00 am.  A reception will immediately follow the service. Interment will take place at Riverdale Mennonite Cemetery, Millbank Ontario.

In lieu of flowers, condolences for the family and donations to Waterloo North Mennonite Church or Mennonite Central Committee may be arranged through the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home at www.erbgood.com