Obituary of Andrea Martin

Martin, Andrea Elaine - April 12, 1955 to November 20, 2011 Andrea passed away on November 20, 2011 after a 12 year struggle with vasculitis of the central nervous system. Andrea was taken ill in February 1999 and spent several months in Royal Columbian Hospital, New Westminster, B.C. before being transferred to Peace Arch Hospital, White Rock, B.C. She was eventually moved to Weatherby Residential Care Pavilion in White Rock where she spent her remaining years. Andrea went to the Lower Mainland of British Columbia from Waterloo, Ontario where she was born and raised. She was feisty and independent and always "did it her way." She loved the outdoors and loved children. She ran a small children's daycare in her home for several years. She was well known around the White Rock area and would frequently be seen in town or at the beach. She had a strong sense of justice and was never afraid to demonstrate her fiery personality if she had an issue. However, in spite of her stubborn streak she had a ready smile, a twinkle in her eye punctuated with infectious laughter. She always had a kind word, a strong sense of compassion and a readiness to fight for the underdog. Over the past twelve years she faced her condition with the same force she had when she was well, even though her energy was diminished. We sadly watched as her health deteriorated and the fire began to fade. We loved our Andrea and without her knowing, she taught us so much about the plight of the sick and infirm. She has now found peace - the peace she deserves after such a long fight. We will miss her dearly. We would like to thank the staff at Royal Columbian Hospital, Peace Arch Hospital, Weatherby Residential Care Pavilion, the numerous staff of Harmony Health Care Ltd. and the many doctors throughout Andrea's illness. We will forever be grateful to Roger Turner, of White Rock for his love and commitment to "our Andrea." Andrea is survived by her son Justin Martin, sister Leslie (Jim) Rolston and niece Tamara Rolston. She will be missed dearly by her loving and dedicated partner Roger Turner of White Rock, B.C. Andrea was pre-deceased by her paternal grandmother Gertrude Martin 1957, paternal grandfather Clayton Martin 1959, her father Eugene (Bun) Martin 1973, a niece at birth 1981, a maternal grandmother Reta Magee 1993, her step-father Dr. R.W. Walls 2001, her brother Craig Martin 2005, her mother Elaine (Byrne/Martin) Walls 2009. A memorial service will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Saturday, December 3, 2011 at 11 a.m. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 10 to 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Parkview Cemetery, Waterloo. A reception will follow the interment at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Society by contacting the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.