Obituary of Joseph Valmon Martell

Joseph Valmon Martell, age 77, of Antigonish, died on May 16th, 2025 in St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, Antigonish. Joseph was born January 25, 1948, to Albert and Lucy May Martell in Rockdale, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.

He and his brother Harold attended Holy Guardian Angels School in L’Ardoise, while his father fished and his mother looked after the family. His parents instilled in him the values of hard work and an appreciation for the simple things.  “Valmon” had a natural aptitude for Mathematics.  He did so well in school that he skipped the 8th grade and showed early leadership development as Student Council President in 1965.

After graduating High School, Joe crossed the causeway and attended STFX where he studied Math and Physics and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in 1969.  He then went on to a Bachelor of Education. It was during this time that he met his future wife Margaret (Peggy) MacLellan. Peggy and Joe were married in November of 1973. In 1978, Joe built his own home in Antigonish with his brother-in-law Lewis MacLellan, and this is where he and Peggy raised their family and built a life together.

Joe spent much of his life working in a variety of teaching positions at numerous schools. Because he worked on circuit teaching core French, he met many people who helped shape his career.  He often talked fondly about working at MacPherson Elementary, Tracadie, Heatherton and St. Joseph’s Schools, but once he finally settled at St. Andrew Jr. High, he found his homebase! Joe taught computer, French, Math and provided “Tech” support wherever he went. Sometimes helping secretaries with schedules, working in the canteen, teaching others how to “log-on” to the world of the internet and helping with lights and sounds to bring drama productions to life on the Jr. School stage!  “The Peppermint Kid” ended his 33-year teaching career teaching grade 5 French Immersion at St. Andrew Junior School.  He often would say how these were his best years!  As to be expected, Joe worked hard to engage his students and instill an appreciation for the French language, and he had a unique way to make Math memorable!  Joe often mentored colleagues and student teachers and was always willing to put things aside to help anyone who may have needed it! Joe was an avid badminton and volleyball coach, and he worked hard to implement the JAGAS school sport system that still is used in schools today!  

Joe was friendly, outgoing and had a larger-than-life personality!  He was the neighborhood dog whisperer and was always open to welcoming friends and family for visits to his home. He always ensured that everyone had a drink in hand.  Never was this more evident than when the American cousins visited and the house was filled with extended family from Margaree Street, Cloverville and Lowell, Mass. He enjoyed the simple things; a good meal shared with family, Sunday drives, camping, picnics, gardening, golfing, curling, wine making, and volunteering within the community. Weekend evenings were spent listening to classic country tunes, the Beach Party or sitting around the kitchen table with friends playing cards when he wasn't on the ham radio as an amature radio operator. Joe loved a good game of frustration, the company of others and great conversation. 

He was a dedicated father who was never too busy to find time for his children. He enjoyed countless road trips, game and movie nights, sporting events, dance competitions, and camping with his children Christine and Stephen. Summer vacations were always filled with such fun! Christine and Stephen’s childhood friends always knew that the Martell house was a welcome place to hang out.

Joe’s faith was very strong, and he enjoyed regular pilgrimages to St. Anne De Beaupre in Quebec where he would take the opportunity to visit his brother while on route. Although he never officially joined the St. Ninian’s choir, he sang right along with them in every mass!  He was a very active member of the Knights of Columbus, Antigonish Council and spent over 20 years as their financial secretary.  

Joe was a teacher by trade but a carpenter by heart.  He spent countless hours building decks and patio furniture for family and friends. He always “worked the problem” and no project was too complicated to tackle. He spent many summers working with L.H MacLellan construction. The last two projects he completed was a porch swing for his daughter and a table for his son’s chip truck…Helping others and building with his hands right to the end!  

In 2003, Joe retired from teaching and in the next number of years he continued his volunteer work with Antigonish Playschool, St. Ninians Parish, The Break Away Café at St. Martha's, The RK MacDonald Nursing Home Board of Directors, St.F.X B.ED department and ushering at the Bauer Theatre.  

Of all the things Joe accomplished in life, becoming a grandfather was probably the top of his list!  He was exceptionally proud of his 5 grandsons and could often be found holding one by the hand and patiently strolling the neighborhood in his Tilley hat. Grandpa will forever be known for being helpful, hardworking and FUN!  He loved singing songs, having dance parties in the basement, sleepovers, board games and he always enjoyed good treats!  He could be found cheering loudly at sporting events, standing back in awe of those on stage, watching those on guard at ceremonies or grandsons flying overhead in gliders! Joe had a strong bond with each of his grandsons and taught them the lessons of humility, acceptance and appreciation! 

Joe is survived by Peggy, his wife of 51 years that he has shown dedication, patience and love. His children Stephen (Jenna) and Christine Barker (Sean), brother Harold (Thérèse), grandchildren Evan, Cameron, Andrew, Nate and Lucas double first cousins George (Blanche), Paul and Dave Martell, brothers-in-law Lewis MacLellan, Archie MacLellan and Doug MacLellan (Lynda), Sister-in-law Anita Duffy, and nieces and nephews Shaun, Tara, Sheila, David, Mary, Jane, and Sarah. Joe had extended family, cousins, wonderful neighbors and friends that have touched his life in so many ways.

Joe is predeceased by his parents Albert and Lucy Martell, brother Alphonse, brother-in-law Bob Duffy, mother-in-law Mary C. MacLellan and good family friends Gordon and Wendy Barker, Anne Marie Helm and Richard Chiasson.

Joe and his family want to take the opportunity to thank all of those who have been kind to him over the past few months.  Most especially the entire staff at the Palliative care unit at SMRH - You have gone above and beyond!  To those in the Cancer Care clinic, your kindness and support have meant so much!  And to those at the R.K MacDonald Nursing home who will continue the care for Peggy that Joe could not finish, he is forever thankful! 

Donations in his memory may be made to the Music Therapy Program in the Palliative Care Department at St. Martha's Hospital, The Alzheimer’s Society, The Terry Fox Foundation, the Parkinson’s Society and the RK MacDonald Nursing Home Foundation.  

Visitation will be from 2:00-4:00 pm and 6:00-8:00 pm on Tuesday, May 20th in MacIsaac Funeral Home, Antigonish. Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, May 21st in St. Ninian’s Cathedral. Burial to follow in St. Ninian’s cemetery.