Martha McClenaghan
Died: June 4, 2018 | Place: Residence
Obituary
MCCLENAGHAN, Martha….
McClenaghan, Martha Arlene (nee Munro) – Of London, Ontario, passed away peacefully at her residence on June 4th, 2018, in her 75th year. Sadly missed by Thom, her husband of 53 years. Dearly loved mother of David, Erin (Warren Helland), Kate (Tom Rigglesworth) and Andrew (Roxanne Regier). Cherished grandmother of Thomas, Samuel, Evelyn, Jacob, Elizabeth, Ruby, Anna, Isla and George. Dear sister of Sue Birse (Jim) and Steve Munro. Fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends across Canada, the United States and around the world. She will be greatly missed and always loved.
Martha was born in London to the late Sam and Cora Munro. She was a graduate of Central Secondary School and Western University. She was a Kindergarten teacher for many years with the Board of Education for the City of London and 3 Wing RCAF Primary School, Zweibrucken, West Germany. She was an accomplished athlete in her younger days excelling in high jumping and volleyball. She loved her dogs, gardening, reading, hosting many great parties, sunning herself at the beach, and had many fond memories of her childhood at Long Point during the summer holidays with her siblings.
Martha was a world traveller. She walked the trail from Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg with three small children in tow, ate lunch on the summit of the Jungfrau, rode a camel on her way to see the Sphinx, drove a lap on the Nürburgring in a Porsche, and listened to the BBC news of the moon landing in a campground in Bucharest.
Martha was devoted to the care and service of others. She was an active member of the Elmwood Avenue Presbyterian Church community and volunteered for many years with the London Health Sciences Centre Service League.
The family would like to thank Dr. Sugimoto, his team and the 5th-floor nursing staff for her initial care. As well, Dr. Hamilton, Dr. Stack, Sherry Vergilio RN, Laurie Mitchell and the fine staff with the VON palliative team for making her final days comfortable. We would also like to thank Dr. Andrew Fullerton and the many friends and neighbours whose visits, cards, food, treats and flowers were greatly appreciated.
A celebration of Martha’s life will take place at Elmwood Avenue Presbyterian Church, 111 Elmwood Avenue East, London, ON N6C 1J4 on Saturday, June 23, 2018, at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Elmwood Avenue Presbyterian Church, or to the London Regional Cancer Program, 747 Baseline Road East, London, ON N6A 5W9.
Cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com
11 Comments
Write a Condolence
Submit A Photo
Photos
Make a Donation in honour of Martha McClenaghan
Please mail your donations directly to the charity
Donations
Burke Flowers
When you order funeral flowers from Burke Flowers, our skilled and compassionate florist will work directly with the funeral home to ensure that your delivery is timely and accurate. Same-day delivery is often available, please call (519) 672-8190 || (800) 303-7413 for a more customized experience.
What a wonderfully gracious lady. Always looked forward to Tuesday’s at Western Alumni lecture series most often just to visit a spell with Martha. She has enriched my memory bank so very much. Thank you both for being such exemplary people every day. The world is less without her.
So saddened to hear of Martha,s passing. I had the pleasure of teaching with Martha at Wilfrid JuryPS. As the union rep, I greatly valued Martha’s encouragement and insight. My condolences to the family at this difficult time.
Sending sincere condolences.
Her smile will always be very special in our memories.
My sincere condolences to Thom and family on Martha’s death. I met her a number of times when Thom was Principal at Arthur Ford School back in the ’80s.
So sorry. I admired her faith and compassion for others. She will be greatly missed by so many of us.
Thom and family we were truly sorry to learn of Martha’s passing. Martha was a very giving person and a tremendous help to our mother as she dealt with the challenges of old age. Our deepest condolences.
I met and became friends with Martha on my first day at UWO and remained so ever since….I was a shy small time girl feeling totally out of my element and Martha,her cousin Nancy and Cathy took me under their wing …all four of us remained friends for all the years thereafter. What a truly lovely lady and a great sense of humour. We will all miss her.
Please accept my sincere condolences, Thom, on the passing of Martha.
Ross Spettigue
Windsor, ON
We are so saddened to hear of Martha’s death. I have fond memories of her when she drove Sue & I to high school each morning on her way to Teachers’ College. Martha always flew out of the house, books in hand, a slice of toast in her mouth, & looking totally gorgeous in the eyes of a gawky grade 9 neighbour. Our condolences & prayers to all the family. Evelyn & Pat O’Brien
My big sister was the kind of big sister that every little sister wants. Growing up, she was fun to be with and looked out for me. She got out of school early to come to my university graduation since my mom was sick and my dad hobbling about on crutches. When I saw them there in the audience, I was so happy. I didn’t think anyone would be there. Martha was always there when anyone needed her. She was the epitome of compassion and she has left big boots to fill. I honestly can’t remember a single argument even though we didn’t always see things the same way. She just had a wonderful ability to see another’s point of view. She had this ability all her life. I will miss her deeply.
Ken, Njia, Junior and I are deeply saddened by the passing of grandma Martha, as my kids fondly call her. Martha loved and cared for my children at the Sunday school in Elmwood Presbyterian church. She gave my husband his first winter coat to use in the cold weather in Alberta. I am sure going to miss drinking warm apple cider during my visits to Martha’s, especially during Christmas time when Martha always had a kind word and presents for the kids. Martha never ever forgot my kids’ birthdays from when we met.
She welcomed us, total strangers and new immigrants with open arms. We will miss her dearly.