MASSEY, Martha Jane Massey – Died peacefully, in her sleep, at Bayshore Weston Gardens in Toronto, on September 21, 2023, at the age of 100.
The fifth of seven children born to Mary Elizabeth James (nee Wallace) and Hezekiah Isaac James, Martha was born on July 12, 1923, in Stewart Town, St. Mary, Jamaica.
She married Albert Vincent Massey and had two children in Jamaica: Curley (John) and Trevor (Linda).
She will be missed by her grandchildren, Colin Wright (Pam), Cornell Wright (Sarah), Andrew Wright (Charlene) and Andrea Feldman (Caley).
“Grandma B” is also survived by her 9 great-grandchildren: Vanessa, Ben, Spencer, Charlotte, Hilary, Austin, Jordan, Zoe, and Abigail.
She was predeceased by her grandson, James Massey; and her siblings, Cecilia, David, Henry, Noel, Adassa and Isaac. A dedicated educator, Martha’s teaching career started in 1943 and spanned 47 years.
Her career was reinforced by studies at Moneague Teacher’s College, JA, University of Bristol, UK, York University, Toronto, and a master’s degree from the University of Rochester, USA.
In 1974, Martha immigrated to Toronto and continued her teaching career at Banting Memorial High School in Alliston, and Charles Gordon Senior School and Lynngate Junior School, both in Scarborough. Martha was deeply loved.
Her family and friends will miss her vibrant personality, her fashionable outfits, her lengthy stories, and her legendary family Christmas gatherings.
Her devotion to her family’s wellbeing will be an indelible legacy. Martha’s family is grateful for the care provided by the staff of North York Hospital, Providence Healthcare, and Bayshore Weston Gardens.
Visitation on Thursday, October 5th, from 6-8 p.m. at Highland Funeral Home, Markham Chapel, 10 Cachet Woods Court, Markham. Service of Celebration on Friday, October 6th, 11 a.m. at the Church of the Ascension, 33 Overland Dr., Don Mills. Interment follows at Highland Memory Gardens, Don Mills and McNicholl. Reception to follow at Highland Funeral Home, Markham Chapel.
Memorial donations may be made to a scholarship in Martha’s name by Wolmers Alumni Association Toronto Chapter, using either of the following two options: 1. Visit Wolmers Alumni Association, Toronto: Donation Group, Toronto, ON (charitableimpact.com) and make a donation as a “guest.” or 2.
Send an etransfer to treasurer.wolmersto@gmail.com indicating the purpose of donation.
https://www.arbormemorial.ca/en/highland-markham/obituaries/martha-jane-massey/10964.
TorontoObituaries.com
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