Edith Julia (Steckle) Martin, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, was born on September 29, 1938, to farmer Menno and school teacher Philippa (Penfold) Steckle in their home on Bronson Line, Zurich, Ontario. She was the middle child in a loving family, with sisters Elizabeth, Mildred, Becky, and brother Stuart.
Edith was predeceased by her husband Roy; her sisters Elizabeth and Mildred; brothers-in-law Abner, Aden, Aden, Amsey, Howard, and Clarence; sisters-in-law Eileen and Ruthanne; daughters-in-law Cathy and Shelley; and nephews Keith Martin, Kevin Martin and Jim Heintz.
She is lovingly remembered by her sons Barry, Brian, Brad (Chandra), and Michael (Marijane); grandchildren Kyle (Heidi), Devon (Alexis), Taylor, Chelsea (Craig), Stephanie, Alicia, Jeanette (Devon) and many step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Edith attended a one-room schoolhouse at the corner of Bronson Line and Centennial Road, near Zurich, completing her formal education after Grade 10. Demonstrating determination and a lifelong love of learning, she later returned to her studies as an adult and earned her high school diploma.
Raised in the Zurich Evangelical United Brethren Church, Edith’s faith was a cornerstone of her life. She was baptized at the age of 13 after completing catechism classes. From a young age, she developed a gift for music, learning to play both the piano and organ. Over the years, she faithfully used her talents in many settings, serving in churches, at Full Gospel Business Men’s and Women Aglow meetings, in retirement homes, and with singing groups, most notably the Channel Singers.
Edith was an avid reader, an incredible baker, sewer and a devoted homemaker. She met the love of her life, Roy Martin, at a party while helping her sister Elizabeth with her growing family in Wallenstein. They were married on May 14, 1960, at the Zurich Mennonite Church. They spent their first summer together on mission in Calling Lake, Alberta, helping to build homes. They later returned to Ontario, settling near Listowel where they managed, and eventually purchased a farm on Line 89, Wallace Township. Together, they built a life centred on faith, family, and hard work, raising their four sons. They traveled frequently to Arizona where they made many friends.
Edith will be remembered for her deep faith, her love of music, her generous hospitality, and the warmth she brought to her family and community. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the family she so dearly loved.
Visitation was held at the Eaton Funeral Home, Listowel, on Wednesday, Ap-ril 1 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and again at Milverton Christian Fellowship on Thursday, April 2 from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m.
The service was livestreamed, and the link is available on the funeral home website. Spring interment in Zion United Church Cemetery, Wallace Township.
Memorial donations to Listowel Memorial Hospital Foundation or Milverton Christian Fellowship would be appreciated.
Online condolences may be left at www.eatonfuneralhome.ca
