Martha Aldrich

Martha passed away unexpectedly on November 28, 2022 in Riverview NB.  She was 92 years old.

Martha was pre-deceased by her parents Reubena (Littlejohn) and Roy Wellington Aldrich, her older brother Orvis Aldrich and her younger sister Ardys Aldrich (Dan Aldrich). 

She is survived by her sister Doreen (George), nieces and nephews George, Ruth, Ian, Bruce, Glenn, Kirk Irving, Starr Aldrich, Loralee Wilde, Daniella Stead as well as many grand and great-grand nieces and nephews.

Martha trained as a nurse in Sherbrooke, Quebec, graduating in 1951 as a RN and later qualifying as a nurse practitioner. After several years teaching, she began working at the International Grenfell Association Hospital in St. Anthony, Newfoundland.  Here she met her longtime friend and colleague "Tops" (Antonia Hedrika van Vliet).  Together they worked at nursing stations across Canada’s north. Martha was conferred an honorary life membership by the Canadian Public Health Association.

Her working life behind her, Martha retired to Gabarus on Cape Breton Island, leaving behind her lifelong passion for travelling and hiking.  After a decade in Nova Scotia, Martha moved to Irishtown , New Brunswick where she lived on a farm and continued to tend an ambitious garden. In later years Martha struggled with the limitations imposed by macular degeneration.

Visions United Church will be hosting a "Memorial Tea for Martha" on Tuesday, December 13, 2022, 2:00-4:00 PM, at the Community Hub on Joyce (140 Joyce Ave. Moncton).  All are welcome to share memories and stories.

For those who prefer, donations may be made to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, in Martha’s memory.

Martha’s family would like to thank the staff of Parkland Riverview and most especially Heather Cormier whose unwavering care and compassion brought Martha some happiness in her final years.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Salisbury Funeral Home (372-4800).