MARTHA JEAN FLEMING (née Calder), of Lethbridge, beloved partner of Nick Hayes, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital, surrounded by family, on Thursday, October 10, 2024 at the age of 79 years.

Martha is survived by her son Tom (Paula) Fleming of Lethbridge, and grandchildren, Cody Fleming and Kaitlin Fleming; by Nick’s children, Joy (Erik) Willihnganz and James (Mary) Hayes and grandchildren, Ezekiel and Obadiah Hayes, and Levi and Sophia Willihnganz. She is also survived by her sisters: Debora Granberg, and Marcella Beadling (Don); brothers: Bill (Norma) Calder, and Floyd (Deb) Calder; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her son, Trevor Bryce Fleming in 2023, her parents, Vernon & Norma Calder, brothers-in-law, Terry Granberg and Bob Beadling, and nephew, Daniel Calder.

Born in Lethbridge and raised on the farm in Aden, AB, the Sweetgrass Hills were her backyard. Martha attended school in Milk River where she met, Bryce Fleming, then she attended business college in Calgary. Martha and Bryce were married in 1964, and their twins, Tom and Trevor, were born in November, 1967.  Martha was the “den mother” for many of the twins’ friends over the years, and was well known and loved for her cooking, baking, school lunches, and kindness to all.  Martha started her insurance career at Dadswell Forster, and later, became part owner. Martha continued to work there, after selling her interest, until her retirement in 2015.  She loved her job and her many loyal customers and went above and beyond for them.

Martha met Nick in the early 1990s and they enjoyed camping and travelling together to their various warm climate destinations.  Martha was an avid Lethbridge Hurricanes fan, and together, she and Nick were season ticket holders and were loyal attendees at all the home games.  She was always cheering on “our boys”.

Martha enjoyed being a member of sorority for many years and went on many shop till you drop trips with her sorority sisters, an won the “paid the most duty prize” more than once. She made many lasting friendships and enjoyed the love and companionship she received through sorority.

Above all else, she loved her family, and called herself, “The Matriarch.”  Everyone loved to gather at her house for holiday meals, puzzles, games and visits.  Her door was always open, and her kindness, patience, and generosity to all of us will never be forgotten and forever appreciated.  She will be greatly missed by all.

A Celebration of Martha’s life will be held at the AGRI-FOOD HUB & TRADE CENTRE, 101 Exhibition Way South, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, October 18, 2024 at 10:30 A.M. with Pat Siedlecki officiating. The Celebration of life will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Martha’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.

 

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

• Date : 2024-10-10
• Location : Lethbridge, Alberta