Obituary of Jacqueline Ann Martell

Obituary of Jacqueline (Jackie) Martell, Beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, and Great-Grandmother

 

This obituary was written on my behalf by my children.

 

With a heavy heart, I bid farewell to a life filled with blessings, love, laughter, and cherished moments, in my final years dimmed by a long and arduous battle with dementia that ultimately claimed my time on this earth. I experienced being a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Faith and family values instilled by my mother guided my life. Though my path was not always easy, I was profoundly blessed. My greatest gifts were my faith, a loving family and the simple pleasures of home and heart.  My husband helped build this loving legacy I leave behind, our children gave me purpose, our grandchildren brought endless delight and our great-granddaughter a renewed sense of being. I passed away peacefully, surrounded by the enduring love and in the presence of my husband, son and daughter and in the care of a team of amazing people from the St. Martha’s Regional Hospital Palliative Care unit.

 

Ours is a family of faith, and I credit that faith for sustaining us through my long and often difficult journey with dementia. Alfred: your steadfast love was my anchor and a light that never dimmed, even in our darkest moments. Natalie and Darren: your selflessness, love and care wrapped me in warmth and reassured me that we were going to be ok. Words cannot express the gratitude that fills my heart for the boundless love, care, and sacrifices you poured into my life. Your unwavering love, devotion, patience, and strength carried me through moments when I could no longer carry or advocate for myself. You held my hand, poured out your hearts and gifted me with your presence, even when my journey became heavy with challenges. To my grandchildren Robyn and Dylan: who made me the proudest grandmother, my great-granddaughter Abby: thank you for every moment of joy you gave me. To you all: each sacrifice made and each moment spent by my side was a testament to your unwavering commitment to my care and our beautiful family.

 

I want to thank my many caregivers for their kindness and compassion. Your patience, words of comfort, support and encouragement will forever be appreciated. To those who visited faithfully (in person or virtual), I felt your love and appreciated your gestures of comfort.

 

I leave behind my husband of 65 years Alfred; son Darren; daughter Natalie; son-in-law Eugene; grandchildren Robyn (Jason) and Dylan; special great-granddaughter Abby; special niece Tanya, her husband John, and their sons Liam and Josh. Please don’t be sad and let not your heart be troubled, for I am finally Home and free of this horrible disease. I pray God allows the many fond memories of the better days we shared to fill your hearts and minds, washing away the pain and suffering dementia inflicted on our family.

 

I was predeceased by our infant son Alfred Jr.; my parents Arthur and Margaret Samson; brother Venard; in-laws Francis and Anna Martell; and my beloved feline companion Muffin. I look forward to being reunited with them and many others.

 

Cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation and a private family service will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, I ask for something far more meaningful: please take time from your busy lives to check in on or, when possible, visit someone living with dementia and those who care for them. This journey is difficult and often lonely. Your presence, however brief, will bring comfort and remind them that they have not been forgotten or abandoned. Your presence in their lives will be a gift that is welcomed and deeply appreciated.

 

Dementia robbed so much from me in my final years: my independence, identity, memories and mobility. It silenced my voice and clouded my ability to recognize those I held most dear. In its relentless progression, it distanced some of those near and dear to me. The pain of their absence added to the confusion and heartbreak of my already fragile mind. I felt abandoned; not just for myself, but for my family who seemed forgotten alongside me. Dementia may rob a person of so much, but it does not erase their need for love, physical connection and the reminder that they still matter. I urge you to hold close those battling this disease - dementia is not contagious. The hearts of those affected by this disease still feel and need your presence.

 

If you wish to make a donation in my memory, please support the Palliative Care Unit c/o St. Martha's Regional Hosptial Foundation (Click Here) who cared so lovingly and with such compassion for me and my family at the end of our journey.

 

I leave behind a legacy of love, woven through the hearts of my dear family. Though dementia took much from me, it could never erase the love I have for all of you. I am forever grateful for your compassion, commitment, patience, grace and laughter, as well as the countless ways you showed me that I was needed, loved and cherished. Know that my heart is with you always, filled with pride and endless love. I am at peace now, free from the heartache and fog that clouded my final years. Please take care of yourselves and each other. I will be with you and watch over you always.

With eternal love, Mom

 

At this time, our family asks for privacy while we mourn this incredible loss.

 

Arrangements have been entrusted to MacIsaac Funeral Home, 61 Pleasant Street, Antigonish.